Sustainers uncase colors

3rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Public Affairs
The 3rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) held an uncasing ceremony March 6 at the Natcher Physical Fitness Center on Fort Knox.
The ceremony symbolized the start of operations for the 3rd ESC since its return from Afghanistan. The 3rd ESC deployed to Afghanistan in April 2012 to provide logistical support across Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Reviewing the ceremony was Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Colt, deputy commanding general of the XVIII Airborne Corps at Fort Bragg, N.C. During his speech, Colt praised the 3rd 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 3rd 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 French, commander of the 3rd ESC, said Afghanistan was one of the most difficult locations to provide logistics, but the 3rd 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 the commander.
French said the success of the mission was due to the Soldiers and Family members who supported them. French also outlined the 3rd 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.”

Photo by Sgt. Justin Silvers

SOLDIERS FROM THE 3RD ESC PREPARE FOR THE UNCASING ceremony on March 6 at the Natcher Physical Fitness Center, Fort Knox.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Candice Funchess

BRIG. GEN. KRISTIN FRENCH AND COMMAND SGT. MAJ. KARL ROBERTS UNCASED the 3rd ESC colors during a ceremony at the Natcher Physical Fitness Center at Fort Knox, March 6.