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13th SC(E) assumes logistics mission

Photo By Master Sgt. Gary Witte | Workers install the new signage outside the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)...... read more read more

BALAD, IRAQ

09.16.2006

Courtesy Story

3rd Corps Support Command

by Spc. Alexandra Hemmerly-Brown
3rd Combat Support Command PAO

LSA ANACONDA, Iraq –The 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) unfurled its colors as it accepted the responsibilities handed over by 3rd Corps Support Command in a transfer of authority ceremony Sept. 16.

Brig. Gen. Michael J. Terry, commander of 13th SC(E), officially took over the theatre sustainment mission from Brig. Gen. Rebecca S. Halstead, commander of 3rd COSCOM, hours before she redeployed to Wiesbaden, Germany.

"The 3rd COSCOM has established a reputation for excellence that will be tough to sustain—but I promise you we will," Terry said. "This is truly a historic day in the future of our Army.

"The path to today's ceremony has been long and we could not stand here ready to seize the torch without the countless hours put in by your staff over the past year," he said complementing Halstead for the work done here, by her unit.

It is the second deployment in Iraq for both commands.

"Thank you for joining us on this historic day as 3rd COSCOM, the last corps support command to deploy to combat, transfers responsibility to the 13th SC(E), the first sustainment command to deploy to combat," Terry said.

The 13th SC(E)'s primary mission is to provide combat support and combat service support in the areas of supply, maintenance, transportation, and field services. The 13th SC(E) will also play a critical role in training Iraqi logistical units.

Formerly 13th COSCOM, it restructured and re-designated into its current structure in February, and will play a key role in redesigning the logistics battlefield in Iraq to better support the Army's newly transformed combat units.

On its first deployment in Iraq, the 13th SC(E) processed 2,000 tons of mail, averaged more than 200 convoys a day, and was responsible for quality of life improvements for the joint forces.

Halstead talked briefly about her command's undertakings during the past year.
She said out of nearly 3,000 vehicles on the road each night, many of those belonged to 3rd COSCOM.

Halstead also spoke about the pride of working the Iraqi soldiers and civilians here.

"Iraqi's show great courage, and are fighting to protect their families," she said.

Lt. Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli, commander of Multi National Corps-Iraq, who opened the ceremony, spoke of the progress being made in Iraq.

"We've driven a wedge between Iraqi terrorists, and those who want a free and democratic Iraq," Chiarelli said. "(This) transfer of authority is a symbol of America's unwavering commitment to the people of Iraq."

3rd COSCOM's motto, "Sustain the line," will now be replaced by 13th SC(E)'s, "Phantom support."

"Our Soldiers are now trained and ready to accept the mantle. On behalf of the Soldiers of the 13th I make this promise—we will continue to sustain the line," Terry said.