CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait –
The 529th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, a Virginia Army National Guard unit from Virginia Beach, Va., took the reins from the 751st CSSB, a South Carolina Army National Guard unit from Columbia, S. C., in a transfer of authority ceremony Aug. 11, 2014, at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait.
“We are excited to take over the mission,” said Lt. Col. Michael Waterman, commander of the 529th CSSB. “The 751st has been a great partner of ours and very good at getting us the information we need to hit the ground running.”
The 529th CSSB will be operating with the task of planning and coordinating combat sustainment support for U.S. and coalition forces in Kuwait and the surrounding region.
“We have been speaking with the 751st for over six months about the mission set and requirements,” said Waterman. “We were able to hit the ground and take over the mission quickly.”
The 751st served in Kuwait for nine months providing logistical support to those needing it in the region.
Col. Drew Dukett, commander of the Illinois National Guard’s 108th Sustainment Brigade, said that for him it is not just the mission accomplishments of the 751st but also the personal relationships made that he will remember.
“Lt. Col. Wood, you brought a great team of Soldiers with you. As fellow guardsmen I know the amount of experience, both military and civilian, your Soldiers bring to the table,” said Dukett. “They displayed a great level of expertise and dedication and did an outstanding job no matter the mission or task.”
Dukett said to the Soldiers of the 529th CSSB have big shoes to fill, but he is confident they are ready to assume the task ahead.
“As you now take on this mission I look forward to seeing your unit continue the legacy of success of sustainment operations here in Kuwait,” said Dukett.