FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
The Army's fighting forces change shape and shift on a constant basis. As the needs of the military adapt to the ever-changing combat climate, units activate, re-flag, deploy, redeploy and inactivate. Every time a unit permanently cases their colors, it is a time to remember and celebrate a rich history.
The 24th Transportation Battalion, 7th Sustainment Brigade cased their colors during an inactivation ceremony at Fort Eustis' 3rd Port, May 14.
The inactivation of the battalion was celebrated in traditional Army fashion. U.S. Army Lt. Col. Layton Dunbar and Command Sgt. Maj. Jade James, the 24th Trans. Bn. commander and command sergeant major, respectively, cased the unit's colors, symbolizing the battalion's inactivation until needed again for military service.
The 24th Trans. Bn., 'Leaders,' consisted of the Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 56st1 Inland Cargo Transfer Company, 331st Transportation Company, 335th Transportation Detachment, 1098th Transportation Detachment and 492nd Transportation Detachment. The battalion has a rich history of military service defending the nation during a multitude of conflicts, said Col. Lawrence Kominiak, the 7th Sus. Bde. commander.
"This battalion has been inactivated and activated several time in its long history," Kominiak said. "Undoubtedly, at some point, the great 24th Transportation Battalion will once again answer the call and be called back into our nation's service."
The 'Leaders' battalion history mirrors the nation's, as they served in World War II, Vietnam, Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield, Operation Restore Hope in Rwanda, Operation Uphold Democracy in Haiti, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. The battalion also provided support to multiple joint and coalition training and support events such as Joint Logistics Over the Shore in Morocco and resupplying the National Science Foundation in Antarctica.
Before closing the ceremony, Dunbar took the opportunity to address his battalion one last time.
"Everything we accomplish is done as a team, and I could not have asked for better than the Soldiers assembled before me," said Dunbar. "Nothing makes me prouder than seeing what we have accomplished through our teamwork. The legacy of this unit and these Soldiers will live on."