SDDC gets new commander
FORT MYER, Va., (USTCNS) --- In a formal parade ground ceremony, Brig. Gen. Charles Fletcher, Jr., has assumed command today of the Surface Deployment and Distribution Command.
Fletcher assumes command from Maj. Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody, commander since October 2002.
"The Global War on Terrorism demands that we provide global support at an intensity and complexity never before seen," said Fletcher, who has served as the Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff, G-4 (Logistics), at the Pentagon since last September.
"As we stand here, surrounded by Arlington National Cemetery, we cannot, but be inspired and renewed in the accomplishment of this mission," said Fletcher.
A West Point graduate, Fletcher entered the Army in June 1972. In early assignments he served as an aviator and transportation officer.
"Three decades ago as a second lieutenant, this -the SDDC patch- was the first patch I wore on my left shoulder and today I wear it for the second time," said Fletcher, who has had overseas assignments in Korea, Germany and Southwest Asia. "I am coming home."
Fletcher joins SDDC, which is charged with the surface deployment and distribution movements of all Department of Defense cargoes, at a critical time.
In the past two years, the command has distributed the most Department of Defense cargoes in a half century in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
During Operation Iraqi Freedom II, conducted in a seven-month period ending this month, SDDC was responsible for 330-vessel operations. The moves involved equipment of eight of the Army's 10 divisions, several National Guard separate brigades and the Marines.
Operations Iraqi Freedom III, expected to involve a similar magnitude of cargoes, begins in soon.
In her next assignment, Dunwoody will serve as the Commanding General, U.S. Army Combined Arms Support Command, Fort Lee, Va.
"I can't begin to tell you what a thrilling assignment this has been for me," said Dunwoody, "a veteran quartermaster corps officer - in the heart of department of defense transportation deployment and distribution operations,"
"During my tenure, our ports conducted 527 vessel operations. Deploying or redeploying, we moved eight of the army's 10 divisions, several National Guard separate brigades and the Marines," she said. "It has all been an incredible feat."
"SDDC has a fine commander coming in. Brig. Gen. Fletcher is a distinguished officer who will be a perfect match for the SDDC command," said Dunwoody.
Fletcher assumes command from Maj. Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody, commander since October 2002.
"The Global War on Terrorism demands that we provide global support at an intensity and complexity never before seen," said Fletcher, who has served as the Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff, G-4 (Logistics), at the Pentagon since last September.
"As we stand here, surrounded by Arlington National Cemetery, we cannot, but be inspired and renewed in the accomplishment of this mission," said Fletcher.
A West Point graduate, Fletcher entered the Army in June 1972. In early assignments he served as an aviator and transportation officer.
"Three decades ago as a second lieutenant, this -the SDDC patch- was the first patch I wore on my left shoulder and today I wear it for the second time," said Fletcher, who has had overseas assignments in Korea, Germany and Southwest Asia. "I am coming home."
Fletcher joins SDDC, which is charged with the surface deployment and distribution movements of all Department of Defense cargoes, at a critical time.
In the past two years, the command has distributed the most Department of Defense cargoes in a half century in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
During Operation Iraqi Freedom II, conducted in a seven-month period ending this month, SDDC was responsible for 330-vessel operations. The moves involved equipment of eight of the Army's 10 divisions, several National Guard separate brigades and the Marines.
Operations Iraqi Freedom III, expected to involve a similar magnitude of cargoes, begins in soon.
In her next assignment, Dunwoody will serve as the Commanding General, U.S. Army Combined Arms Support Command, Fort Lee, Va.
"I can't begin to tell you what a thrilling assignment this has been for me," said Dunwoody, "a veteran quartermaster corps officer - in the heart of department of defense transportation deployment and distribution operations,"
"During my tenure, our ports conducted 527 vessel operations. Deploying or redeploying, we moved eight of the army's 10 divisions, several National Guard separate brigades and the Marines," she said. "It has all been an incredible feat."
"SDDC has a fine commander coming in. Brig. Gen. Fletcher is a distinguished officer who will be a perfect match for the SDDC command," said Dunwoody.
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