CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait -- The recently reactivated Army Field Support Battalion-Southwest Asia uncased its colors and welcomed a new commander during a ceremony here, Feb. 7.
Lt. Col. Tim Maples assumed command of the AFSBn-SWA from Lt. Col. Robert McKean, who held the position since summer, 2017.
McKean and his senior enlisted adviser, Master Sgt. Jaime Ednave, uncased the battalion's colors before the change of command took place.
"This supports U.S. Army materiel Command's strategic objective of delivering materiel readiness by providing the right equipment to assure the Army's ability to fight and win," McKean said.
Col. Carmelia Scott-Skillern, commander, 401st Army Field Support Brigade, presided over the ceremony.
"This battalion, as Army Field Support Battalions tend to do, really punches above its weight class," Scott-Skillern said. "Over the last seven months, Lt. Col. Robert McKean has truly dedicated himself to the mission. Robert has led with dedication and a commitment second to none."
To mark the transfer of command, Ednave handed the unit colors to McKean, who then passed them to Scott-Skillern. Scott-Skillern continued the rotation to Maples. With his position as commander established, Mapls then passed the colors to Sgt. Maj. Sean Shea, sergeant major, AFSBn-SWA for safekeeping.
In his farewell remarks, McKean thanked his unit and his family, and welcomed Maples.
"Thank you for the opportunity to lead this effort and activate this battalion," McKean said. "Thanks to the team for all your hard work. I look to working with Lt. Col. Maples during your transition into this complex environment."
Maples comes to Kuwait from the AMC headquarters at Huntsville, Alabama.
"To the members of the AFSBn-SWA, and for those of you yet to come, I pledge to you my very best," Maples said. "I will provide honest leadership, absolute integrity and resolute support as we take this battalion forward."
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