ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - The 68-year history of the 143d Ordnance Battalion came to an end July 29 as the last Ordnance unit on Aberdeen Proving Ground cased its colors for a final time during a discontinuation ceremony at McBride Parade Field.
The battalion will become part of the 59th Ordnance Brigade at Fort Lee, Va., the new home of
Ordnance, and its Soldiers will expand the 16th Ordnance Battalion, forming companies D, E and F.
Senior APG leaders joined senior Ordnance leaders in the farewell to the battalion. Speakers included Maj. Gen. Nick Justice, commander of APG and the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command; Col. Pharisse Berry, commander of the 59th Ordnance Brigade; and
Lt. Col. Steven W. Fletcher Jr., commander, 143rd Ordnance Battalion.
Guests included Col. Clark W. LeMasters Jr., Chief of Ordnance and commandant, U.S. Army Ordnance Schools; OC&S;Regimental Command Sgt. Maj. Sultan A. Muhammad; and 59th Ordnance Brigade Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey D. Crawford.
The Maryland National Guard’s 229th Army Band provided music for the ceremony.
“You are the reason the Army keeps rolling along,” Justice told the departing Ordnance Soldiers.”
He called the day bittersweet, and said “despite the sadness and memories, it’s a new beginning and starting anew is what we do best. I trust you are proud Soldiers and I know you are proud members of the U.S. Army Ordnance Corps.
“Thank you for coming,” he said to the audience. “Thanks for making this a meaningful experience and helping us say farewell to one of the greatest corps in the Army.”
During his speech, Berry said two milestones were reached in saying goodbye to the Aberdeen community and retiring the battalion colors on the same day. He praised Fletcher and Ness for “carrying on with drive and professionalism” in preparing the battalion and its Soldiers for the transition.
“They carried on their legacy of excellence, “he said. “Thanks for your care and leadership. You will write a new chapter in the history of the Ordnance Corps.”
Fletcher thanked the installation for its support of the battalion through the transition period and reminded his Soldiers that they represent 92 years of Ordnance training.
“Today we honor the Ordnance Corps and Ordnance Soldiers, past and present,” he said. “At Fort Lee, we will train in state-of-the-art facilities and on state-of-the-art equipment, which they
deserve as they will deploy to combat shortly after.
“Professionals in Gear and Go Ordnance,” he added.
Ness said he was proud of the battalion’s performance "Soldiers and instructors-during the transition.
“They will begin a new era in great training facilities and continue to carry on a proud tradition,” he said.
Prior to the ceremony, Fletcher was awarded a Meritorious Service Medal. Ness will remain at APG until his permanent change of station to Fort Polk, La.
See more ceremony photos at flicker.com/photos/usagapg.
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