Detroit Arsenal, WARREN, Mich. (May 2, 2016) -- Maj. Gen. Gwen Bingham relinquished command of the U.S. Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command headquartered here to Maj. Gen. Clark W. LeMasters, Jr. in a ceremony held this afternoon.
In assuming command, LeMasters becomes TACOM's 35th commanding general. Gen. Dennis L. Via, U.S. Army Materiel Command (AMC) commanding general, officiated the ceremony. AMC is TACOM's higher headquarters.
LeMasters was named Bingham's successor in mid-February. He comes to TACOM from AMC, Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, Ala., where he most recently served as Via's deputy chief of staff for logistics and operations.
LeMasters told the crowd, "I'm very proud and honored to take command of such a great organization. Gen. Via, thank you again for this opportunity -- command at this level is a great responsibility and huge privilege. I am prepared and committed," he emphasized.
"For the TACOM team," LeMasters continued, "your mission is unchanged -- to deliver the readiness our Army needs to perform its mission -- that is our #1 priority, and I know it is your priority every day. Remember we are here to support the Soldiers -- their lives and the freedom of the Nation depends on our Army's readiness. We, in partnership with every commander in the field, must ensure this rock solid readiness."
The new TACOM commander went on to say, " My guidance to the team is simple -- stay focused on your mission, continue the great support you provide daily, take care of your people and do the right thing -- not just the easy thing, but the right things. Right by those Soldiers who depend on us to deliver," he stressed.
Just prior to the change of command, Via awarded Bingham the Distinguished Service Medal for her tour as TACOM's commander. She led TACOM since June 2014 and is the first female to serve as its commanding general.
"Teammates, we've covered a lot of good ground together, and I'm humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve as one among you in support of every combatant command, our Joint forces teammates, Allies and partner nations who use our equipment around the globe," Bingham told change of command attendees. "As a direct result of your work, service members serving from coast to coast and around the world are better prepared to accomplish their multi missions."
She concluded her remarks saying, "never goodbye -- merely so long until we meet again, this the TACOM LCMC CG #34 … signing off the net. Army Strong!"
Bingham's next assignment has yet to be announced.
The TACOM Life Cycle Management Command is the only active-duty U.S. Army installation in the tri-state area (Michigan, Ohio and Indiana.) A global enterprise, its 19,000 military and civilian acquisition, logistics and technology professionals research, develop, procure, field, maintain, upgrade, modernize and sustain approximately 65 percent of the equipment an Army Brigade Combat Team uses.
The TACOM Life Cycle Management Team awarded in excess of $6 billion in contracts in Fiscal Year 2015, with $1.5 billion awarded to Michigan companies. Its 7,500 Michigan-based employees contribute significantly to the state's economy, wielding nearly $3 billion in personal spending power each year.
Social Sharing