CAMP AS SAYLIYAH, Qatar — Maj. Gen. Yves J. Fontaine finished his first visit to U.S. military installations in Southwest Asia as commanding general of Army Sustainment Command, at Camp As Sayliyah, Qatar, Oct. 16. During his introductory travels, Fontaine toured Army Pre-positioned Stock Five resources in Kuwait and Qatar. Lt. Col. Peter Butts, 1st Battalion, 401st Army Field Support Brigade commander, explained APS-5 sustainment facilities at the Qatar base.
Fontaine became the third commanding general of ASC during a ceremony at Rock Island Arsenal, Ill., on Sept. 2. Established in October 2006, ASC provides and synchronizes Army sustainment-level logistical operations. The command's key responsibilities include field support, material management, contingency contracting and Army pre-positioned stocks.
ITT contractors support the 1-401st AFSB mission in Qatar. Logisticians, supply clerks and administration specialists assist Soldiers with APS-5 organization and distribution. Additionally, contracted mechanics regenerate combat power by repairing, overhauling and upgrading theater-provided equipment.
Charles Shy, from Warrensburg, Mo., is an ITT Global Maintenance and Supply Service liaison based out of Rock Island, Ill. During Fontaine's visit, he explained a successful implementation of the latest Humvee retrofit mission: Fragmentation Kit Seven. According to Shy, the vehicle maintenance facility can safely and efficiently retrofit more vehicles than it's currently receiving.
"There are a lot of untapped resources here," said Shy, after meeting Fontaine. "APS-5 is fully stocked and operational in Qatar — we want more work." Shy hopes showcasing the site's APS-5 sustainment capabilities will help better balance future workloads.
"A review will determine where to best position APS-5 stock between Qatar and Kuwait," said Butts. They are always looking for ways to maximize capabilities and better support the war effort, he said.