3d ESC Change of Command Ceremony

By Sgt. Justin Silvers (3rd ESC)June 21, 2013

3d ESC Change of Command Ceremony
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Maj. Gen. Jeffrey N. Colt, deputy commanding general of the XVIII Airborne Corps passes the 3d ESC colors to Col. (P) Flem B. "Donnie" Walker Jr. during the change of command ceremony June 18 at the Natcher Physical Fitness Center on Fort Knox. Walke... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
3d ESC Change of Command Ceremony
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Col. (P) Flem B. "Donnie" Walker Jr. speaks to Soldiers and families during the 3d ESC change of command ceremony June 18 at the Natcher Physical Fitness Center on Fort Knox. Walker officially assumed command from Brig. Gen. Kristin K. French during ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Brig. Gen. Kristin K. French relinquished command of the 3d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) to Col. (P) Flem B. "Donnie" Walker Jr. during a change of command ceremony June 18 at the Natcher Physical Fitness Center.

Maj. Gen. Jeffrey N. Colt, deputy commanding general of the XVIII Airborne Corps, based out of Fort Bragg, N.C., presided over the ceremony. Colt praised French's leadership and dedication, and wished Walker and his family the best of luck as the new command team.

French, who served as the commanding general of the 3d ESC since June 2011, said she was proud of the Soldiers she served with in the 3d ESC.

"A great deal has occurred during the two years of my tenure, not just in the 3d ESC, but in our Army and throughout the world," said French. "I am so proud and humbled that I got to stand shoulder to shoulder with them (3d ESC Soldiers) as we supported the warfighter each and every day."

Upon her departure, French will be heading to Rock Island Arsenal, Ill., to serve as the commanding general of the Joint Munitions Command.

Walker, the incoming commander of the 3d ESC, said he was honored and humbled to take command of the 3d ESC.

"Hope and I are honored and humbled for the opportunity to command this outstanding organization," said Walker. "It is a responsibility we don't take lightly and I assure you that we are excited about the challenges and journey ahead as we write yet another few chapters in the 3d ESC's long list of accomplishments."

Walker also thanked Fort Knox and the surrounding community for their support.

"My family and I have been overwhelmed by your generosity the past few days as we have transitioned here from the Pentagon and Huntsville, Ala." said Walker. "We look forward to getting to know you all in the weeks and months that follow."

Walker's previous assignment was in Washington, D.C. where he served as the Director for Strategy and Integration, Office of the Deputy Chief of staff, G-4.