CAMP WALKER, Republic of Korea -- With the passing of the unit colors from one leader to the next, the change of command for the 403rd Army Field Support Brigade was official.
U.S. and Korean leaders, community members, Soldiers, Korean Augmentees to the U.S. Army, Army civilians and Families attended the 403rd AFSB change of command ceremony at Camp Walker's Kelly Fitness Center June 28, bidding farewell to outgoing commander Col. Renee L. Mann, and welcoming incoming commander Col. Wheeler R. Manning.
The host of the ceremony was Maj. Gen. Duane A. Gamble, the commanding general of U.S. Army Sustainment Command. He watched as 403rd AFSB Command Sgt. Maj. John G. Ruiz passed the unit colors to Mann. Once Mann passed the colors to Gamble, the commanding general turned toward Manning and symbolically charged the new leader of the 403rd AFSB with all the inherent duties and responsibilities of command. Manning then passed the colors back to his new command sergeant major, signifying his trust in him and the noncommissioned officer corps.
Mann served as the 403rd AFSB commander since June 2017. During this time, she ensured the 403rd AFSB provided tactical and strategic sustainment to Northern Asia and conducted unified action and a full range of military operations. She made it clear during the change of command ceremony, all the unit's successes were due to a strong team effort.
"To the members of 403rd (AFSB), I could never thank you enough," said Mann.
It was so rewarding to be a part of this team, to watch the members of the 403rd AFSB succeed, she added.
During his remarks at the ceremony, Gamble spoke of the impact Mann had on the brigade and the entire Army.
"As anyone in the 403rd could tell you, Colonel Mann is very approachable and an outstanding communicator," said Gamble. "She took the time to understand before she made a decision."
Unfortunately, that's not a common trait with some leaders, he added.
The new commander of the 403rd AFSB has compiled a record of excellence across his career and is no stranger to Korea, serving with multiple units here, including the 2nd Infantry Division when he deployed to Iraq, Gamble said of Manning.
"I do not take this responsibility lightly. As much is given, much is required," said Manning. "We look forward to sustaining and building on the momentum left before us."
The 403rd Army Field Support Brigade is a subordinate unit of the U.S. Army Sustainment Command headquartered at Rock Island Arsenal, Ill. ASC, the control hub for global Army logistics, falls under the U.S. Army Materiel Command headquartered at Redstone Arsenal, Ala. AMC, a 4-star command, develops and delivers material readiness solutions to ensure globally dominant land force capabilities.
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