Camp Mobile logistics unit gets new commander

By Franklin Fisher (IMCOM)August 27, 2012

Camp Mobile logistics unit get new commander
At Camp Casey Aug. 17, Lt. Col. Frazariel Castro (right) assumes command of the Army Field Support Battalion-Korea during a ceremony at which Col. Michael C. Lopez, commander of the 403rd Army Field Support Brigade, passes him the battalion colors. C... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

CAMP CASEY, South Korea -- A logistics unit whose technicians play a key role in helping combat units keep their sophisticated combat systems in fighting order has a new commander following a ceremony at Camp Casey Aug. 17.

Lt. Col. Frazariel Castro assumed command of the Army Field Support Battalion-Korea during a change of command ceremony inside the cavernous gymnasium of the Carey Fitness Center. The battalion is headquartered at Camp Mobile.

Castro replaces Lt. Col. Benny L. Starks Jr., who moves to a new assignment with the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Army for Logistics (G4).

Castro's previous assignment was with the U.S. Transportation Command at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., where he served as executive officer to the director of operations and plans.

Starks' leadership of the battalion drew praise from the commander of its parent unit, Col.

Michael C. Lopez, who heads the 403rd Army Field Support Brigade at Camp Henry in Daegu.

In remarks during the ceremony, Lopez noted the bulk of the battalion's largely civilian workforce consists of "highly trained technicians" who bring to bear important expertise in keeping ready the Army combat systems used by armor, aviation and artillery units.

"Leading this organization requires a commander with visionary leadership, a clear understanding of how to employ strategic-level Army Materiel Command capabilities at the tactical level, and the ability to integrate and synchronize materiel support with logistics partners -- in support of warfighter requirements."

"Benny," Lopez told the audience, "was that type of commander."

Under Starks, the battalion worked with, among others, 2nd Infantry Division staff at brigade and division levels to help successfully field "numerous combat systems" crucial to the division's warfighting mission.

The battalion's logistic experts also helped the division's brigades and battalions in finding ways to save more than $6 million, Lopez said.

In farewell remarks, Starks thanked numerous individuals and briefly highlighted some of the battalion's "laundry list of accomplishments" over the past two years.

"I sincerely thank the entire battalion for their support," Starks said.

In brief remarks, Castro said he looked forward to "continuing the unit's mission in support of the warfighters of the 2nd Infantry Division."

Castro was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Army in 1994 through the ROTC at the University of San Francisco, from which he graduated with a bachelor's degree in politics.

The 2nd Infantry Division Band performed music during the ceremony.

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