The 773rd Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team (WMD CST) furled its guidon for the last time during an inactivation ceremony hosted by the 7th Mission Support Command (MSC) at Panzer Kaserne in Kaiserslautern, Germany, May 9, 2025.
The event was presided over by Brig. Gen. Karen Monday-Gresham, Commander of the 7th MSC, who issued the order to case the unit's colors.
This ceremony marks a significant milestone as part of a comprehensive U.S. Army force reduction and reorganization effort aimed at consolidating forces to enhance mission readiness.
Activated in 2009, the 773rd WMD CST successfully executed missions in over 19 countries, including Spain, the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Bosnia, Serbia, Montenegro, Kosovo, and Estonia. The team participated in prominent exercises such as Toxic Valley, Stallion Shake, African Lion, and Justified Accord, showcasing their critical capabilities.
The legacy of the 773rd WMD CST is one of vigilance, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to safeguarding U.S. Forces and allies in Europe and Africa. The unit excelled in bridging the gap between military readiness and civilian emergency services, providing rapid on-site hazard assessments and effective consequence management. Their collaborative efforts fostered strong partnerships with host nations and NATO allies during periods of uncertainty.
The inactivation ceremony saw an impressive turnout as community members, military officials, and former team members gathered to show support and celebrate the unit's achievements.
U.S. Army Maj. Anthony Gonzalez, the last commander of the 773rd WMD CST, reflected on his tenure and the collaborative efforts made with various partners and agencies.
As the only Title 10 WMD Civil Support Team stationed outside the continental United States, Gonzalez emphasized the team's significant contributions to national and NATO defense efforts. "The unit has truly embodied the 7th MSC slogan of 'forward and ready' by conducting missions in 19 countries and participating in numerous theater exercises,” Gonzalez said. “We have built strong relationships with our NATO military allies, the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, and the National Guard."
In his closing remarks, Gonzalez encouraged the members to uphold the professionalism and proactive mindset that defined their mission. “As a final piece of advice: be proactive, not reactive,” he stated. “Adhere to Army regulations and follow the 8-step training model. It has been an honor to serve as your commander. Dragon 6, signing out. Suit up.”
The ceremony not only marked the end of an era for the 773rd WMD CST but also celebrated the profound impact the unit had in enhancing safety and security across broad international fronts.
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