405th Army Field Support Battalion -- Kaiserslautern cases its colors

By Steven J. Stanfill, 405th AFSB Public AffairsJuly 18, 2012

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1 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Lt. Col. Joe Gann, commander, 405th AFSBn Kaiserslautern and 405th Army Field Support Brigade Command Sergeant Major, Command Sgt. Maj. Jesse Sharpe case the battalion colors June 5 at the Daenner Kaserne, Kaiserslautern, Germany. (Photo by Steven J.... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
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2 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
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3 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Lt. Col. Joe Gann, commander, 405th AFSBn-Kaiserslautern and 405th Army Field Support Brigade Command Sergeant Major, Command Sgt. Maj. Jesse Sharpe case the battalion colors June 5 at the Daenner Kaserne, Kaiserslautern, Germany. (Photo by Steven J.... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
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4 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany -- The 405th Army Field Support Brigade held an inactivation ceremony June 5 at Daenner Kaserne as the brigade bid farewell to Lt. Col. Joe Gann and the battalion.

Col. Ronald Green, then commander of the 405th Army Field Support Brigade, presided over the ceremony. Col. Christopher Roscoe is now the new commander of the 405th AFSB.

After the inactivation, Green publicly praised Gann's leadership and accomplishments.

The AFSBn-Kaiserslautern was activated on Aug. 4, 2006, at Panzer Kaserne, Kaiserslautern, Germany under the command of Lt. Col. Ronnie Bell. The brigade now as two battalions -- one in Vilseck, Germany and the other in Livorno, Italy.

As a model of the new Army Materiel Command "one face to the field" battalion, the unit had a streamlined staff and representation for the Army Materiel Command commodity commands and Army Sustainment Command. This new structure devolved operations down from the brigade leaving the 405th staff more able to focus on operational level issues.

The AFSBn-Kaiserslautern was immediately responsible for retrograde of U.S. Army Europe equipment displaced due to downsizing, command of the Logistics Support Element-Kosovo at Camp Bondsteel, and support of Joint Task Force --East and training in Eastern Europe.

"Joe moved and directed Army Field Support Battalion Kaiserslautern with tremendous competence and confidence as it experienced enormous change since its activation August 4, 2006," Green said. "His loyalty to his workforce was not only about mission but more importantly, the family. He was tireless in his efforts to ensure that all were treated with dignity and respect."

Despite its short history, the AFSBn-Kaiserslautern was a critical supporter of USAREUR and U.S. Africa Command operations from August 2006 to June 2012.

From beginning to end, AFSBn-Kaiserslautern was the single point of entry to Army Materiel Command RESET operations for its customers, developed new and ever more efficient methods of executing missions, and managing Army Materiel Command operations in Kosovo and Eastern Europe. AFSBn-Kaiserslautern constantly "Supported the Warrior" in USAREUR.

Gann praised his workforce as he and his team made a difficult transition.

"It is bittersweet as we case the colors today on such an outstanding unit and organization," Gann said.

Green thanked Gann and his team for their professionalism during the last 24-months. "He understands, promotes and values teamwork," Green said.