CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait -- Col. Carmelia Scott-Skillern took command of the 401st Army Field Support Brigade during a change of command ceremony, here, June 30.
The ceremony also included a change of responsibility, welcoming Command Sgt. Maj. Rodney Macon as the new brigade Command Sergeant Major.
Maj. Gen. Edward Daly, commanding general, U.S. Army Sustainment Command, presided over the ceremony.
"I want to begin by celebrating the 401st AFSB, with their motto of 'first to make a difference' for their second to none support of the warfighter," Daly said. "Since 1997, this organization has done a sterling job of integrating and synchronizing U.S. Army Materiel Command capabilities to deliver readiness at the tactical points of need in concert with U.S. Central Command."
Scott-Skillern assumed command from Col. Aaron Stanek, who held the position since 2016. Stanek is now slated to take over as the U.S. Army Special Operations Command G-4 (Logistics) at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
"Those assigned to 401st AFSB are truly the unsung heroes -- the line men and women of the football team, so to speak. Their numbers are seldom called out during the game, but try and fight and win our nation's wars without their contributions," Daly said.
"Each of you reflects the strength of our nation," he said. "May God bless both of these great commanders, the 401st AFSB workforce, and may God continue to bless these great United States of America."
To mark the transfer of command, Command Sgt. Maj. Perry C. Williamson, outgoing 401st AFSB command sergeant major, handed the unit colors to Stanek, who then passed them to Daly. Daly continued the rotation to Scott-Skillern. With her position as commander established, Scott-Skillern then passed the colors to Macon for safekeeping.
In his farewell remarks, Stanek thanked his teammates.
"The Army runs with people based upon relationships to get things done and I am truly honored to have worked with the best commanders, staff officers, noncommissioned officers and Army civilians," Stanek said.
"I'm simply amazed at their skill and commitment to the Army and the mission, and I'm thankful for the camaraderie and teamwork that led to a shared success."
Stanek also spoke highly of the incoming command team while welcoming them to the brigade.
"I want to give a very special welcome to Col. Carmelia Scott-Skillern and Command Sgt. Maj. Rodney Macon," Stanek said. "I wish you the best of luck and earnestly hope your command experience will be as positive as mine."
The ceremony marked the second time Scott-Skillern accepted command from Stanek.
"If you don't know already, I had the honor to turn over the Army Field Support Battalion-Bragg to Carmelia a while back and she took the battalion to the next level," Stanek said. "She is a brilliant logistician that can get things done and I know she will be great."
Scott-Skillern joins the 401st AFSB after serving as the Executive Officer for the Military Deputy to the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Financial Management and Comptroller.
"I am truly blessed to be here today and thank all of you for sharing today with me, Scott-Skillern said. "I am both honored and humbled as I consider the immense responsibilities inherent in this command. I look forward to serving and strengthening relationships here to continue providing phenomenal support to the joint warfighter."
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