CAMP DIAMONDBACK, Iraq -- One of the last of the Group transfer of authority ceremonies among the 1st Corps Support Command units took place Dec. 17 between the 167th Corps Support Group and the 917th Corps Support Group in front of the group headquarters building here.
Col. Gordon Mackenzie Jr., 167th CSG commander, and his Command Sgt. Maj., Michael Mabee, relinquished authority to Col. Gregory Couch, 917th CSG commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Douglas King. Couch and King performed the unveiling of the colors to signify the transfer of authority.
Brig. Gen. Yves J. Fontaine, 1st COSCOM commander, was the guest speaker and the reviewing officer for the ceremony.
"The 167th CSG has done a great job over here executing a tough mission. You have improved and maintained an efficient logistical system, supported dozens of forces that have operated in or passed through your area, and you have made this place better than it was only one year ago," Fontaine said.
The 167th CSG is a National Guard unit from Londonberry, N.H. that was mobilized and deployed Dec. 7, 2003 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. They provided general, direct, and area support to numerous units, to include coalition forces.
During their tour, the 167th CSG delivered more than 18 million gallons of fuel, handled more than 37 million gallons of fuel, and executed more than 3,000 combat logistic patrols.
The 167th CSG also produced and issued more than 99 million gallons of bulk water, laundered more than 45,000 bundles of laundry, issued more than 119,000 cases of meals ready to eat and 1.4 millions cases of water, said Mackenzie.
For these accomplishments, the unit was awarded about 3,000 awards and decorations during their tour; five were presented at the ceremony.
Mackenzie not only recognized the accomplishment of Soldiers in his unit, but also took a moment to read the names of 13 Soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice; followed by a moment of silence.
"These Soldiers and Airmen will never be forgotten, for they gave their lives in support of everything our nation stands for," Mackenzie said."
The Soldiers of the 917th CSG are ready," Couch said. "They will live the warriors ethos and provide proactive and aggressive support to all Soldiers in our battle space." The 917th CSG is a Reserve unit from Kansas City, Mo. They were mobilized Aug. 30, and deployed soon afterwards.
"We are proud to be part of the 1st COSCOM and welcome the challenges that lay ahead," Couch said.