SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii--Soldiers of the 524th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 25th Sustainment Brigade, stood in formation Nov. 17 during a casing of the colors ceremony on Watts Field. The battalion will deploy to Kuwait in support of Operation Spartan Shield at the end of November.
"Since Sept. 11, casing of the colors has taken on a new meaning," said Col. Gavin Lawrence, commander of the 25th Sustainment Brigade, to the Troops and Families on the field. "It has become a symbol that American sons and daughters are deployed forward in defense of our nation and its interests."
The 524th CSSB has historically provided sustainment support throughout the Pacific. The battalion is comprised of over 35 Military Specialties and supports more than 300 units on the island.
Previous deployments included sustainment operations in Afghanistan and Iraq in 2007 and 2013. This is the first time the unit will deploy to Kuwait.
"The expeditionary mindset of this battalion enables us to deploy small teams of specialized skills or entire companies of immense capabilities," said Lt. Col. Col. Donald Logsdon, 524th battalion commander.
The 524th CSSB will provide sustainment support to units throughout the Central Command area of responsibility which encompasses Kuwait, Afghanistan, and Egypt among other countries.
"With the highest level of confidence I can state that the Army has made the right choice selecting this remarkable group of sustainers. I'm confident they are ready for all that lies ahead." said Lawrence.
As the ceremony came to an end the 524th CSSB Troops had a moment to reflect on their future mission in Kuwait. Their unique capabilities as a battalion make them an important asset in the expeditionary Army arena.