Rock Island, Ill. - The Army's top-ranking officer paid a visit to Rock Island Arsenal today, touring the Army Sustainment Command, the Joint Munitions Command, the Joint Manufacturing & Technology Center, the TACOM Life Cycle Management Command-Rock Island, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-Rock Island District, and the U.S. Army Garrison-Rock Island.
During his visit, Gen. George W. Casey Jr. learned about the history of Arsenal Island and its many tenants' contributions to surrounding communities and the nation's defense. Gen. Casey serves as the Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, making him a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Army's ranking general officer.
"Rock Island is a national treasure and an important part of our industrial base," Casey remarked. "It was a great opportunity to meet some of the hardworking people here who are dedicated to keeping our Army strong."
"Your efforts help to ensure our Army continues to be the best in the world at what we do," Casey said to island employees.
Stopping at the Keith L. Ware Test Facility, Casey had an opportunity to fire the M14 enhanced battle rifle that is being upgraded by the TACOM-LCMC (RI) team.
He also saw a variety of armored kits that go onto Humvees, Stryker vehicles, trucks, the M119 105mm howitzer, mobile maintenance forward repair systems, and small arms parts, all produced by the JMTC.
Gen. Casey visited the Army Sustainment Command's Global Logistics Information Center, which houses state-of-the-art communication equipment. There, he saw how ASC and the Joint Munitions Command support the Army Force Generation cycle that is changing the way Army combat units train, fight, and organize. Gen. Casey learned that providing logistics support, field support and contracting services to soldiers and civilians anywhere on the globe, when and where they need them, is ASC's main focus.
"It was a great opportunity to show Gen. Casey the important missions that are performed here in support of our soldiers," said D. Scott Welker, Deputy to the Commander of the Army Sustainment Command.
The Joint Munitions Command, as part of the Army Joint Munitions & Lethality Command, provides bullets and other conventional munitions to soldiers and other servicemembers worldwide, and Gen. Casey learned how JMC carries out that mission.
Gen. Casey saw the Clock Tower Building and Lock and Dam 15 and received a briefing on the Corps of Engineers' mission from Col. Robert Sinkler, the District's Chief Engineer.
At his departure from the Quad City International airport, James Bohnsack, Rock Island County Board Chairman and Nancy Mulcahey, President and CEO of the Quad City Development Group, presented Gen. Casey with a gift basket of locally produced products to show the communities' appreciation for all he and the soldiers do for America each and every day.
Social Sharing