CAMP VIRGINIA, Kuwait, Oct. 19, 2011 -- The 402nd Army Field Support Battalion-Iraq cased its colors in an inactivation and transfer of authority ceremony here Oct. 5.
The unit was activated on June 8, 2006, at Camp Anaconda, Iraq to support the transfer of property between units moving into and out of theater.
Col. John S. Laskodi, commander, 402nd Army Field Support Brigade, said for its short time in existence, the battalion had an impressive history. At the height of the surge in 2008, the unit signed for more than 550,000 pieces of equipment in excess of $18 billion. And, as the drawdown began in Iraq, it moved equipment out.
"During the most recent drawdown of forces, the battalion retrograded more than 23,000 vehicles and 290,000 other items out of Iraq," said Laskodi.
In parting comments, Lt. Col. Matthew Houser, commander, 402nd AFSBn-Iraq, welcomed the 541st Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, which assumed responsibility for the mission.
"The mighty 541st CSSB from Fort Riley [Kansas], you bring so much power and energy to the fight. And like the cavalry, you are rushing in at just the right moment to save the day," Houser said.
"The 541st CSSB is extremely excited about the challenges that are headed our way over the next 90 days and beyond," said Lt. Col. William Cain, commander 541st CSSB. "We are ready and we will not disappoint."
And the mission is massive. All self-redeploying units from Iraq will pass through Camp Virginia and hand off vehicles and equipment to the 541st CSSB on their way back home.
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