3rd ESC comes home

It seems hard to believe that it was almost a year ago that TSO and I were at Fort Knox, KY for the formal ceremony when the 3rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) cased their colors for a tour of Afghanistan. They write today to tell us that they’ve come full circle and uncased the colors upon their return;

The 3d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) held an uncasing ceremony on March 6 at the Natcher Physical Fitness Center at Fort Knox, Ky.

The ceremony symbolized the start of operations for the 3d ESC since their return from Afghanistan. The 3d ESC deployed to Afghanistan in April of 2012 to provide logistical support across Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Reviewing the ceremony was Maj. Gen. Jeffrey N. Colt, deputy commanding general of the XVIII Airborne Corps at Fort Bragg, N.C. During his speech, Colt praised the 3d ESC’s accomplishments supporting U.S., Afghan and coalition forces.

You have all extended your reputation tremendously over this past year by serving millions of Afghan men, women and children, said Colt.

“There is no question in my mind that you have changed the lives of these people for the better and we are a much better country because of your selfless services and your leadership.”

During the deployment the 3d ESC provided a variety of logistical support including coordinating the delivery of more than 34 million pounds of cargo, issuing more than 1.4 billion gallons of gasoline, and purchasing more than 940 million dollars in rations.

Brig. Gen. Kristin K. French, commanding general of the 3d ESC, said Afghanistan was one of the most difficult locations to provide logistics, but the 3d ESC worked tirelessly to ensure mission accomplishment.

“Every day our logisticians conducted numerous tactical convoy operations, moved thousands of pounds of cargo and provided gallons upon gallons of fuel along with numerous other areas of support,” said French.

French said the success of the mission was due to the Soldiers and family members who supported them. French also outlined the 3d ESC’s mission since returning from deployment.

“Our follow-on mission is to prepare for our next call to duty, whether it be for a future planned operation or a last minute tasking,” said French. “I have total trust and confidence in the members of our team and I know we will excel if called on.”

The Soldiers from the 3d ESC successfully completed the Afghanistan mission and will continue to provide exceptional logistical support in current and future operations.

Brig. Gen. Kristin K. French and Command Sgt. Maj. Karl Roberts uncase the 3d ESC colors during a ceremony at the Natcher Physical Fitness Center at Fort Knox, Ky, March 6, 2013.

Story by U.S. Army Sgt. Justin A. Silvers
Photos by 3d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) public affairs office.

Thanks to all of the folks in Afghanistan and Fort Knox who kept us in the loop throughout their adventure. We’re glad you’re all home where you belong.

Category: Terror War