Sustainers take lead in Afghanistan

By Sgt. Justin A Silvers (3rd ESC)April 27, 2014

Sustainers take lead in Afghanistan
1 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Brig. Gen. Donnie Walker Jr., 3d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) commanding general and Command Sgt. Maj. Edward Bell, 3d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) senior enlisted advisor, watch the color guard during the 3d ESC's uncasing ceremony Apr... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Sustainers take lead in Afghanistan
2 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Brig. Gen. Donnie Walker Jr., 3d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) commanding general, and Command Sgt. Maj. Edward Bell, 3d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) senior enlisted advisor, uncase the 3d ESC colors during a ceremony April 22 at the New... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Sustainers take lead in Afghanistan
3 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Brig. Gen. Donnie Walker Jr., 3d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) commanding general, gives his remarks during the 3d ESC's uncasing ceremony April 22 at the New Kabul Compound in Afghanistan. The 3d ESC assumed responsibility from the 1st Theater... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Sustainers take lead in Afghanistan
4 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Col. Maxine Girard, chief of staff of the 3d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) prepares the unit for Brig. Gen. Donnie Walker Jr., commanding general of the 3d ESC, and Command Sgt. Maj. Edward Bell, senior enlisted advisor with the 3d ESC, during ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

The 3d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), held an uncasing ceremony April 22 at the New Kabul Compound, Afghanistan.

The 3d ESC assumed responsibility from the 1st Theater Sustainment Command (Forward), and is tasked with the increasingly complex mission of providing logistical support throughout Afghanistan's rugged terrain, in addition to assisting with the transition to Afghan forces.

Reviewing the ceremony was Maj. Gen. Darrell Williams, commanding general of the 1st TSC. Williams said the ceremony marked a significant step in the mission in Afghanistan.

"Today marks an important milestone in the history of the 1st TSC, the 3d ESC, the Army and Operation Enduring Freedom," said Williams. "This is another significant step in the transition of the mission in Afghanistan."

During the ceremony Williams thanked the Soldiers of the 1st TSC team for their hard work and dedication during their deployment.

"What you have done here is nothing short of extraordinary," said Williams. "Afghanistan is an austere and unforgiving environment, but that didn't stop you from developing innovate means for overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles."

Williams also said a special thanks to Brig. Gen. Duane Gamble, commanding general of the 1st TSC (Forward) and Command Sgt. Maj. James Lambert, Senior enlisted advisor with the 1st TSC forward.

"You have led the team at our forward command post extremely well, commanding a diverse team with a multitude of skill sets, and synchronizing our tactical effort; and you made it look easy," said Williams. "Thank you for taking care of these great Americans and for providing caring and concerned leadership."

Brig. Gen. Donnie Walker, commanding general of the 3d ESC, said the 3d ESC was proud to be a part of the 1st TSC team, and was ready for the mission ahead.

"We are prepared to manage the remainder of the retrograde mission; sustaining the train, advise and assist mission and the transition to the Resolute Support Mission as we prepare Afghanistan for the post-2014 mission," said Walker.

Earlier, Walker also thanked the Fort Knox community for their support to the Soldiers and Families of the 3d ESC, and he's proud to be a member of such a great community.

In addition to the 3d ESC Soldiers deployed in Afghanistan, a significant portion of the 3d ESC has been deployed to Kuwait to assist in sustaining contingency operations as part of the 1st TSC team.