529th Support Battalion Transfer of Authority

By Capt. Jerry Duong and 1st Lt. Andrew Garrido, 300th Sustainment Brigade

Soldiers of the 529th Support Battalion, Virginia Army National Guard, assumed responsibility of their assigned battlefield sustainment operations on Jan. 1, and commemorated by a transfer of authority ceremony Jan. 7, 2019.

The 529th, configured as a combat sustainment support battalion (CSSB), manages the day-to-day sustainment operations throughout Iraq, Syria, and Jordan, in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. It assumed responsibility from the Alabama-based 787th Support Battalion, U.S. Army Reserve.

"This ceremony is not about change, but about continuity. Never has this been more important than today," said Col. Todd Erskine, 300th Sustainment Brigade commander. "This combat sustainment support battalion provides support for U.S. and coalition forces throughout Operations Inherent Resolve."

The area of responsibility includes three countries, covering over 270,000 square miles, and 66 million people.

As a sustainment provider, the 529th CSSB provides material and services to ensure the warfighter can accomplish their mission. In addition, they provide sustainment and general support commodity hub operations, distribution of all classes of supply, area support maintenance, central receiving and shipping point operations, and contractor oversight.

"Your mission is extremely important and will require you to remain focused and more importantly agile. Your team is part of a pivotal and larger strategic operation" said Erskine.

The 529th Support Battalion is expected to remain on mission until September 2019.