ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Illinois -- The former deputy commanding general of the U.S. Army Sustainment Command has returned here to serve as ASC's top leader.
Maj. Gen. Duane A. Gamble formally became ASC's commanding general during a change of command ceremony held on July 25. Gamble, who served as ASC's deputy commanding general for one year beginning in July 2012, took command from Maj. Gen. Edward M. Daly, who had led ASC since August 2016.
Gen. Gus Perna, commanding general of the U.S. Army Materiel Command -- ASC's higher headquarters -- presided at the ceremony. In his remarks, Perna cited Gamble's past experience at ASC and Rock Island Arsenal as one reason why he would succeed in his new position.
"He knows the organization and he knows the community," Perna said of Gamble. "He's also a highly capable leader who's commanded at all levels. He's the right commander for ASC at the right time."
Perna noted his role in passing the command's colors from Daly to Gamble and said, "What you just witnessed was more than symbolic and routine. When I passed the colors, the authority and responsibility for this great command passed with them.
"The ASC mission is second to none," Perna said, "and, under General Gamble, I know that it will continue on a path that will help make our Army even greater than it is today."
Perna praised Daly for his contributions as ASC's commanding general, citing his role in achieving new efficiencies, overseeing the establishment of new Army Prepositioned Stock sites in Europe, and integrating Contracting Support Brigades into ASC.
"You led ASC during an unprecedented time of challenge and change, and you connected requirements to contracting to execution," Perna said. "On behalf of the Soldiers you supported, thank you for a job well done."
Turning to Gamble, Perna stated, "My charge to you is as follows: Focus on readiness, be accountable and hold others accountable, and challenge the status quo.
"Our nation -- and the entire free world -- depends on you and on the people of ASC," Perna said. "I believe with all my heart that you can do it."
In his remarks, Daly said that he had a tough time letting go of the colors, stating that Rock Island Arsenal would always have a place in his heart.
"This 940-acre island continues to be critical to our military, and the work done here has a global impact," Daly said. "The Arsenal also has a phenomenal relationship with the Quad Cities community, and I know that the leaders of this installation and the leaders of this community will continue to work hand in hand.
"I was humbled and honored to have commanded the Army Sustainment Command," Daly said, who then asked the audience to turn their attention to the representatives of ASC arrayed on the field before him.
"The men and women of ASC are laser-focused on readiness," Daly said. "I compare them to linemen in football. You may not know their names and numbers, but you absolutely cannot win a game -- or win a war -- without them."
Noting that he had known Gamble for many years, Daly said, "I absolutely, unequivocally and without a doubt know that he can and will lead ASC to even greater heights.
"I'm proud to be a Soldier," Daly concluded, "and I'm proud to be part of the greatest Army the world has ever known."
Gamble began his remarks by thanking community leaders for attending the ceremony and added, "I'm thrilled to be back here. This is a wonderful place to serve and a wonderful place to live, and I'm grateful for all the support the Arsenal receives from the community."
Gamble stated that he gained a firsthand understanding of the importance of ASC's mission during his previous assignment as commanding general of the 21st Theater Support Command in Germany.
"The impact of General Daly's leadership of ASC was palpable," Gamble said, "and the impact ASC had in deterring any aggression in Europe was absolutely decisive.
"ASC's mission is vital and global, and it's also growing," Gamble said. "This command is special, and I look forward to serving with you."
Gamble was commissioned as an ordnance officer in 1985, following his graduation from Western Maryland College. His career includes deployments to the Balkans, Southwest Asia, Afghanistan and Haiti, and assignments in Europe and Turkey. He holds two masters degrees -- one each from the Florida Institute of Technology and the National Defense University -- and is also a graduate of the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.
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