USAG-O cases colors, disestablishes command

By Mike Egami, U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii Public AffairsJune 1, 2011

USAG-O cases colors, disestablishes command
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii - In a bittersweet ceremony, the inactivation and color-casing of U.S. Army Garrison-Oahu was held here, May 24.

The ceremony showed appreciation and dignity for the tremendous work and responsibility that USAG-O personnel accomplished in caring for Soldiers and families during decades of support to the Fort Shafter and Schofield Barracks communities.

“Over all these years, this garrison has provided invaluable support services to our customers " the Soldiers and civilian employees who work on our installations, the family members who live there, our military retirees, veterans and others,” said Col. Douglas Mulbury, commander, USAG-Hawaii.

USAG-O had coordinated and integrated base operations support for all organizations on Oahu’s Army installations. The Oahu garrison’s goal had been to ensure the health, safety and well-being for all " resulting in enhanced Army and family readiness.

USAG-O had managed numerous programs and functions, such as the Shelter Management Program, the Installation Appearance Program, fundraising, land use, commercial solicitation, various community and advisory forms, the Juvenile Review Board, and reception and replacement operations for incoming installation Soldiers.

The Oahu garrison had also organized many special events, including the holiday tree lighting ceremonies at Schofield Barracks and Fort Shafter every holiday season.

All former USAG-O services have now been or will be assumed by USAG-HI directorates.

The inactivation of USAG-O has been a long process, taking many months and involving the transfer of numerous support functions and reassignment of civilian employees to other directorates within USAG-HI.

“You may worry that without (USAG-O) headquartered in the south that the garrison liaison support will diminish,” said Linda Keller, garrison manager, USAG-HI. “On the contrary, Debra Zedalis, regional director, Installation Management Command-Pacific, and (Mulbury), have established an Installation Coordinators Office at Fort Shafter to be a liaison for the south community.”