CAMP PATRIOT, KUWAIT - On March 30, 2011, the 718th Transportation Battalion said farewell to the 467th Transportation Detachment and welcomed the 709th Transportation Detachment in the fold. Both detachments are based out of the reserve center located in Tacoma, Wash. Their mission while in theater is to provide the Army with logistical watercraft support, and quite often, to perform joint logistical missions with other branches of the armed forces. Whereas the 467th exceeded the Army standard of professionalism and excellence, shipping Materials and supplies from different ports throughout the Persian Gulf during their ten-month deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation New Dawn, the 709th Transportation Detachment shows the same confidence and discipline as their departing peers.

The ceremony took place at Kuwait Naval Base to commemorate their Transfer of Authority. Cpl. Krystal Schumm narrated the ceremony with the confidence of a seasoned orator while their Chaplain, Capt. Jeffery Hastings gave a stirring and compassionate invocation, which both inspired and set the overall tone for the ceremony. Chief Warrant Officer 3 Larry Claflin gave off an aura of pride as he thanked his detachment for their successful tour of duty aboard Landing Craft Utility (LCU) 2029. He also welcomed the 709th Transportation Detachment, led by Chief Warrant Officer 2 Franky Caraska, whose speech was more light-hearted, but just as inspiring as that of his predecessor. The 718th Transportation Battalion Commander, Lt. Col. David A. Roscoe implied the 467th served as a benchmark saying, "They did it flawlessly...and did it right."

As the ceremony was closing, Roscoe and the 718th's command sergeant major, Command Sgt. Maj. Bruce W. Clark, presented Staff Sgt. Ted Lahti, the First Mate aboard LCU 2029, with the Meritorious Service Medal for his service in the 467th. They also showed their support and appreciation as Lahti extended to be the Detachment Sergeant and First Mate for the 709th aboard the LCU 2018.