157th CSSB transfers authority to 77th CSSB in Afghanistan

By Sgt. Sinthia RosarioSeptember 3, 2013

157th CSSB transfers authority to 77th CSSB in Afghanistan
1 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Lt. Col. David D. Dean (left), commander of the 157th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion and Master Sgt. Robert F. Harris (right), acting command sergeant major for the 157th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, roll their colors as they... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
157th CSSB transfers authority to 77th CSSB in Afghanistan
2 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Lt. Col. David D. Dean (left), commander of the 157th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, and Master Sgt. Robert F. Harris (right), acting command sergeant major for the 157th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, case their colors during... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
157th CSSB transfers authority to 77th CSSB in Afghanistan
3 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Lt. Col. Hector L. Agosto Rivera (left), a native of Salinas, Puerto Rico, and commander of the 77th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion (CSSB), and U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Waldemar Rodriguez Diaz (right), a native of Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico, ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
157th CSSB transfers authority to 77th CSSB in Afghanistan
4 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Lt. Col. Hector L. Agosto Rivera (left), a native of Salinas, Puerto Rico, and commander of the 77th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion (CSSB), and U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Waldemar Rodriguez Diaz (right), a native of Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico, ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

BAGRAM, Afghanistan - Task Force Lifeliner's 157th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion cased its colors as the 77th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion unfurled its colors during the transfer of authority ceremony held Sept. 1, 2013, at Bagram Air Field, Parwan province, Afghanistan.

This ceremony signifies mission success for one and the start of a new mission for another.

As the 157th CSSB relinquished their duties, Lt. Col. David D. Dean, commander of the 157th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, gave thanks for all the support their unit received during their deployment.

Dean also thanked his soldiers for all the hard work, successes and sacrifices they faced as a unit.

"Remember the injured and the fallen that have gone through our ranks here and keep them in your thoughts and prayers," stated Brig. Gen. Duane A. Gamble, deputy commanding general of 1st Theater Sustainment Command.

He ensured that he recognized the 157th CSSB role in Afghanistan and their mission success.

"Combat resupplies and all the CET (convoy escort team) missions that they've done in this area of responsibility is frankly incredible," stated Gamble. "I am more proud of the great troops that Lt. Col. Dean and Master Sgt. Harris have led. The companies out there have completed this mission in a very, very tough, hostile environment."

As Dean gave his final words to the formations, he offered words to the incoming commander of the 77th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, Lt. Col. Hector L. Agosto, wishing their unit best success on their new mission and offered one request from his successor.

"That you always include the soldiers' best interest in the equation when making decisions," stressed Dean. "These soldiers understand that mission comes first and understand the risk of being on the road. They will work hard for you. Treat them well."

Col. Charles R. Hamilton, Task Force Lifeliner commander, spoke highly of the accomplishments of the 157th CSSB during the ceremony.

Hamilton exclaimed, "What you've (unit) done and what he's (Dean) done is really you've made history, over 9,000 miles, numerous CET missions and all that while in contact. What you've done on the retrograde side is truly remarkable."

As the 77th CSSB stood together listening to Hamilton's words explaining the challenge they would face, the soldiers held their heads high, ready to begin their new mission in Afghanistan.

"You're going into the phase on the operation where you're going to be asked to do more than Chain (157th CSSB) did, so it's going to take a lot of dedication," said Hamilton as he challenged these soldiers with those words.

The mission of these two commands is vital to the success of the mission in Afghanistan. They provide the sustainment to service members and civilians and at the same time they provide the muscle movement for the retrograde of equipment from Afghanistan.