BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- The 536th Support Maintenance Company, from Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, relinquished their authority over field-level maintenance and recovery support operations in Regional Commands - East, North and Capital to the 514th Support Maintenance Company, from Fort Drum, during a transfer of authority ceremony here March 26.
Capt. Dewey Courtney and 1st Sgt. Michael Green, 514th SMC commander and senior enlisted leader respectively, uncased the company colors, symbolizing the unit's assumption of responsibility for the areas of operations.
"We are excited to assume the mission and appreciate the smooth (relief in place / transfer of authority) process with the 536th SMC," Courtney said.
The mission is nothing new for the 514th SMC, as the unit supported Operation Enduring Freedom in 2012.
Due to the quick return to theater, the unit was able to retain Soldiers who are on their second tour and benefit from their experience.
"The transition from the (United States) to Afghanistan has been made much easier on the new Soldiers due to a combination of excellent training and the experience we have in the company," said Cpl. Nikolas Huber, 514th SMC training room noncommissioned officer.
The TOA ceremony was overseen by Lt. Col. Agosto Hector, commander of 77th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, Task Force Garita. Col. Willie Rios, 10th Sustainment Brigade commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Jose A. Castillo, brigade senior enlisted leader, also attended the ceremony.
Courtney concluded his address by assuring the 10th Sustainment Brigade leadership that the 514th SMC will continue to uphold the standards that were set by the 536th SMC.
"Over the last eight months, we have trained hard for this deployment, and now it is time to execute the mission," Courtney said. "We are excited about the opportunities we have and look forward to making history here in Afghanistan.
"The company is prepared and ready to accomplish the mission," he added.
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