3rd ESC takes control in Iraq

By JOSHUA COFFMAN jcoffman@thenewsenterprise.com FORT KNOX — The 3rd Sustainment Command Expeditionary has taken control in Iraq. In a formal ceremony Friday, the 316th ESC relinquished control to the Fort Knox-based unit before beginning its trip home to Pennsylvania. The 3rd ESC will command 20,000 troops and be in charge of all supply movements throughout the country. Maj. Paul Hayes, a spokesman for the unit, said its mission also includes training and standing up Iraqi supply units as American forces work to make its Iraqi counterparts self-sufficient. Until that day comes, deputy commander Col. Jerry Reeves said his troops are eager to take its year’s worth of training and use it on the battlefield. “That was a great chance (for us) to practice so when this day came we would be ready,” Reeves said. “It’s a sense of pride knowing you have that responsibility.” After a casing ceremony last month, the unit has spent the past couple weeks in Iraq, observing its predecessors and assessing how it will run its command. Many attacks on American forces come on transportation lines in the form of roadside bombs. Reeves said his unit will take steps to counter against attacks, such as what times supplies are moved and what roads are taken. “We do a lot of analysis with out intel section,” he said, noting the security provided at all levels, from a soldier’s weapon to up-armored vehicles. “We’re a well-equipped Army.” Reeves wished to say hello to his “beautiful wife” Katrina who lives in Vine Grove. The 3rd ESC is stationed at Joint Base Balad, north of Baghdad. Its tour is slated to last 15 months. “We’re anxious to put our stamp on it,” Hayes said. Joshua Coffman can be reached at (270) 505-1740.