Lassitter takes command of DMC

By Justin Graff, ASC Public AffairsJune 12, 2015

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1 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – From left, Col. William Krahling, outgoing commander of the DMC, Maj. Gen. Kevin O'Connell, commanding general, ASC, and Col. Doyle Lassitter, incoming commander of the DMC, salute the colors during the DMC change of command ceremony at Rock Island A... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
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2 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Maj. Gen. Kevin O'Connell, commanding general, ASC, hands the DMC colors to incoming DMC commander, Col. Doyle Lassitter during the DMC change of command ceremony at Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois, June 10. The passing of the colors represents the cha... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
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3 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Lt. Col. Andrew Aiello, executive officer, Distribution Management Center, stands in front of the color guard as commander of troops during the DMC change of command ceremony at Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois, June 10. (Photo by Justin Graff, ASC Publ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
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4 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
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5 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Sgt. Maj. Brian Marone (right), sergeant major, Distribution Management Center, tends to the unit colors after the passing of the colors was complete during the DMC change of command ceremony at Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois, June 10. (Photo by Justi... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Ill. -- Col. Doyle Lassitter took command of the U.S. Army Sustainment Command's Distribution Management Center during a change of command ceremony, here, June 10.

Lassitter assumed command from Col. William Krahling, who held the position since 2013. Krahling is now slated to take over the deputy chief of staff, G-4 (Logistics) job at U.S. Army Central Command in Kuwait.

Change of command ceremonies are steeped in military tradition and serve a dual function of rendering honors to the departing commander and providing official recognition of the transfer of authority to the incoming commander.

Maj. Gen. Kevin G. O'Connell, ASC commanding general, presided over the ceremony.

"We're here today to say goodbye to a great leader and asset to ASC and a truly outstanding military family," he said. "It's not easy saying goodbye to someone who works so hard and cares so much about what they do inside their organization and for their people."

To mark the transfer of command, Sgt. Maj. Brian Marone, sergeant major of DMC, handed the unit colors to Krahling, who then passed them to O'Connell. O'Connell continued the rotation to Lassitter. With his position as commander established, Lassitter then passed the colors back to Marone for safekeeping.

In his farewell remarks, Krahling thanked the command and recapped some of his experiences with the DMC.

"I truly appreciate the opportunity to lead this dynamic organization that has done so much for our Soldiers and the Army," he said. "On a personal note (the O'Connells) have brought back a welcoming atmosphere to the arsenal that has transcended throughout the Army Sustainment Command and into the community at large.

"As a new commander two years ago, I knew that time was fleeting and the clock had started. I knew then that the mission of this organization was huge and beyond the lines of most normal sustainment commands. Like the end of any long race, it was both exhilarating and, at times, exhausting."

O'Connell also welcomed Lassitter and his family.

"We're really excited to have him and his family here," said O'Connell. "He brings to the fight a great skill set that I believe will fit nicely at the DMC, and I look forward to working with you down the line."

Lassitter comes to Rock Island Arsenal from the Air War College in Montgomery, Alabama. Prior to AWC, he was the commander of Red River Army Depot, Texarkana, Texas.

"Command is an awesome opportunity for any officer," said Lassitter. "It is a gift given to you by those that follow you, and it is my responsibility to always be worthy of this gift.

"The mission of the DMC impacts the entire Army and ultimately affects the shaping of our future force. The people that work within the DMC and ASC are absolutely outstanding professionals, dedicated to supporting our warfighters. I look forward to being part of this team and being part of engaging the challenges we face within the complex and dynamic world we all operate within."