Sustainment brigades provide logistics support world-wide. The 82nd SBDE, out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina is the next in a long line of Sustainment BDEs to deploy to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).
82nd SBDE Commander, Army Col. John E. “Skip” O’Neil, a Massachusetts native, will oversee the mission and operations of the brigade during the year long deployment.
During the ceremony, O’Neil spoke highly of his counter parts from 45th SBDE.
“They [45th SBDE] recognized that the logistician’s job wasn’t done till the canteen was full, the trooper had a hot meal, the round was chambered, the vehicles repaired and filled with fuel. They accomplished all of this with quiet professionalism, that’s the miracle of logistics at the freedoms frontier today,” said O’Neil.
While supporting OEF, 45th SBDE carried a heavy load, which was recognized by Brig. Gen. Reynold N. Hoover, commander of the 135th Expeditionary Sustainment Command.
“I would first like to thank you for your service and outstanding efforts accomplishing a truly expeditionary Sustainment mission. You already heard the numbers some bear repeating. Three thousand eight hundred and eighty five aerial delivery missions, dispersing over 20-million pounds of supplies, 855-thousand convoy miles across insurgent terrain and 500 combat operations. These accomplishments and all that you’ve done to sustain the force will be examined and studied by military historians, logistician and leaders for years to come,” said Hoover during the ceremony.
Hoover expressed his utmost confidence in 82nd SBDE to carry on the mission. “To Col. O’Neil and the 82 SDBE, today marks the next chapter in America’s history in Afghanistan. As Gen. McKrystal has said, it’s a turning point in our efforts to begin to surge 30,000 more troops into Afghanistan. I’m confident that you and Task Force Provider [82nd SBDE] are ready and trained to pick up the fight and improve the foxhole and continue to sustain freedom tonight,” said Hoover.
As 45th SBDE stood in formation, their mission complete in Afghanistan, O’Neil was ready to move forward. “the 82nd Sustainment Brigade humbly accepts command of more than 3,500 troops, 28 units from 19 states across the Army active National Guard and reserve components including teammates from the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps as well as civilians and contractors all forming a seamless team in support of the combined team as we bid fair well to the lighting brigade [45th SBDE],” said O’Neil.
This is the first deployment of the 82nd SBDE’s headquarters as a stand-alone brigade. They will be supporting the additional 30,000 U.S. troops deploying to Afghanistan during the coming months.
By SPC Nicolas Hurt
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