SEMBACH, Germany – U.S. Army Europe’s logistical command changed senior enlisted leaders during a change of responsibility ceremony, Nov. 21, 2019 at Sembach Kaserne in Sembach, Germany.
21st Theater Sustainment Command bid farewell to Command Sgt. Maj. Rocky L. Carr who assumed responsibility May 18, 2018 as the 21st TSC senior enlisted leader.
“18 short months ago I stood up here assuming responsibility as the 17th 21st TSC Command Sgt. Maj. and spoke about the opportunity to answer what I believe to be one of the most important calls a noncommissioned officer can have: to serve the Soldiers, civilians and families of our great Army,” Carr said. “That has been my mission and driving force during my time here.”
Carr explained how he was proud to serve in Europe and believes these assignments create better Soldiers.
“What makes living and working here in Europe so special as a Soldier is that there is not a lot of simulation; we operate and collaborate with our allies and partners, daily, on the roads, in the ports and everywhere in between across the continent, just as we would for our wartime mission,” he said. “It is my belief that the Soldier’s and Civilian’s stationed over here, get the reps and build necessary experience by placing them in positions of responsibility during daily missions, training exercises, and deployments, that when they are assigned or return to [U.S. Forces Command] units, they are better positioned to succeed and develop.”
Carr lastly thanked all of Team 21 for all their dedication and hard work during his time as the senior enlisted leader.
“You are a terrific team that handles everything and left it all on the field for me,” Carr said. “You did everything I asked and more –with good grace, good humor, professional competence and maturity beyond your years.”
Maj. Gen. Christopher O. Mohan, 21st TSC commanding general, expressed the personal impact Carr had as a fantastic command partner.
“Rocky, personally, you were a fantastic compliment as a command partner,” he said. “You were my second set of eyes and an expert sounding board. This command does not run without its outstanding noncommissioned officers and that standard was set extraordinarily high by Sergeants Major like you.”
Mohan communicated that the command does not run without its outstanding NCO’s and welcomed Command Sgt. Maj. Sean M. Howard to the 21st TSC team and charged him to be ready.
“The responsibility of this command now shifts to Command Sergeant Major Sean M. Howard,” Mohan said. “Command Sgt. Maj. Howard is one of our Army’s finest Warrior Leaders. He has an incredible reputation and a remarkable breadth of tactical, operational, and strategic experiences across our Army.”
“I look forward to working with you – partners in Mission Command – and Mission Command is the operative word – very important,” Mohan continued. “So if you’re ready, let’s get to work.”
Howard thanked Mohan and Carr for both the opportunity to serve as the 18th 21st TSC command sergeant major and the first class reception.
“Maj. Gen. Mohan…I look forward to working alongside you, and know and understand the importance and significance of the role and responsibility I’m about to embark on,” he said. “I will not fail you sir.
“Command Sgt. Maj. Carr, you’re leaving me to inherit an outstanding organization with consummate professionals at every level and I will do my best to pay it forward in the years to come. Best of luck.”
Carr will next serve as the senior enlisted leader at the Surface Deployment and Distribution Command at Scott Air Force Base, Ill.