BAGRAM, Afghanistan - Gen. Dennis L. Via, commanding general of Army Materiel Command and Command Sgt. Maj. James K. Sims, command sergeant major of AMC, visited Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, Oct. 23.
Via and Sims were visiting Bagram to receive updates on retrograde operations in Afghanistan. As part of their visit, they met with 3rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Commanding General, Brig. Gen. Donnie Walker Jr. and 3rd ESC Command Sergeant Major, Command Sgt. Maj. Edward A. Bell.
Walker briefed Via on the current status of retrograde operations in Afghanistan, the success the 3rd ESC has had in reducing the retrograde timeline, as well as plans for the future as Resolute Support draws near.
Via recognized the challenges the 3rd ESC faced during their mission in Afghanistan.
"This has been the most complex logistical operation since World War II," said Via. "This is the most complex terrain in the theater of operation to work in and there is no more challenging place to conduct logistical operations than here in Afghanistan."
During their visit Via and Sims also visited the 401st Army Field Support Brigade where they received briefings on the mission of 401st AFSB in support of retrograde.
After the briefings at the 401st AFSB, Via thanked the 3rd ESC team for all their hard work in the retrograde process.
"You made this look easy, but I know it has not been," said Via. "My hat's off you to you for the phenomenal work you've done. You've retrograded this equipment, helped the Army with readiness going forward and you should feel proud."
Via also asked the team to record the lessons learned for future operations.
"As you close down there are some things you know that have worked very well, and I ask you capture that and put pen to paper," said Via. "You're the experts; help us document what right looks like so we can get that in doctrine, policies and procedures."
Sims also encouraged the Soldiers to continue their hard work, and continue pushing forward until they crossed the finish line.
Via and Sims ended their tour after recognizing several Soldiers from the 3rd ESC and the 401st AFSB for their hard work and received a final briefing on Theater Provided Equipment before departing.
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