ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Ill. -- An inactivation ceremony for the 920th Contracting Battalion and four of its contracting teams -- the 620th, 721st, 737th and 738th - was held at Heritage Hall, June 30.
Remarks were provided by Brig. Gen. Michael Hoskin, commander, U.S. Army Expeditionary Contracting Command; Melanie Johnson, executive director, U.S. Army Contracting Command-Rock Island; and Lt. Col. Ryan Eckmeier, commander, 920th CBn. The battalion's colors were also cased during the ceremony, signifying the formal end of the command effective Oct. 8.
Hoskin thanked Eckmeier and Master Sgt. Peter Miller, who served as the sergeant major, 920th CBn, for their leadership over the Soldiers and civilians who fell under their command, prior to addressing the 920th Soldiers.
"Thank you for your service and I challenge each of you to continue to grow into the finest contracting acquisition professionals possible," said Hoskin.
The 920th CBn, which was activated at RIA on Sept. 12, 2014, has had a short history, but developed a significant resume, the most visible accomplishment being its deployment and assumption of the Contingency Contracting Administration Services mission in U.S. Central Command from July 2015-March 2016. During its command over the CCAS mission, the 920th CBn oversaw the expansion from three countries to six, to include Kuwait, Iraq, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
ACC assumed the CCAS mission in late 2014 from the Defense Contract Management Agency. The mission oversees and executes contract administration functions associated with major installation, logistics and other mission support contracts in the CENTCOM region.
During his remarks, Eckmeier expressed gratitude for being entrusted to lead the battalion and addressed ACC-RI civilians who served as mentors to the battalion's Soldiers.
"I am extremely honored and humbled to be the first -- and unfortunately the last -- commander of the 920th," said Eckmeier. "Upon our formal activation of this battalion just under two years ago, as the Army's best group of contracting professionals, I asked you all to take our new, uncertified contracting Soldiers under your wing and mentor them as professionals capable of executing any contracting mission that they would potentially be called to do. You all answered that call and I thank you."
Training Soldiers was a main focus of the 920th battalion's time at RIA. Eckmeier said when the battalion activated, the certification rate and experience rate was 18 percent. By the inactivation ceremony, nearly 90 percent were trained and certified.
In the days leading up to the inactivation ceremony, two events were held for Eckmeier: On June 28, Johnson presented him with the Meritorious Service Medal signed by Maj. Gen. James E. Simpson, ACC commanding general; and on June 29, members of the 920th CBn presented Eckmeier with framed battalion and team flags and a plaque commemorating his time as commander.
Johnson said that the 920th served a vital contracting role for both the Army as a whole and ACC-RI. It also provided the center's employees an invaluable opportunity to train others.
"The battalion Soldiers have expertly supported ACC-Rock Island in awarding and managing our diverse, complex contract requirements," said Johnson. "I hope that we have given you assignments that will provide you with the experiences and knowledge for future growth and success in your contracting careers. You have left an indelible mark on ACC-Rock Island. I am grateful that the Army entrusted us with your training and oversight over the last 21 months."
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