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U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges, the U.S. Army Europe commanding general (right); U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Duane A. Gamble, the new leader of the 21st TSC (front); and U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John R. O’Connor, the outgoing TSC commanding general (rear), inspect their formations from atop a vintage Army jeep during the change-of-command ceremony held June 24 at NCO Field on Daenner Kaserne in Kaiserslautern.
A senior, battle-tested Department of the Army logistician assumed command of U.S. Army Europe’s premier support formation during a memorable change-of-command ceremony held June 24 at NCO Field on Daenner Kaserne in Kaiserslautern.
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Duane A. Gamble took the reins of the 21st Theater Sustainment Command from U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John R. (Jack) O’Connor before some 350 American and German military and community leaders and international guests. This also included representative formations of troops from across the command’s subordinate organizations, amid traditional pomp and circumstance.
U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges, the USAREUR commanding general, presided over the ceremony reflecting on the TSC’s vital enabling contributions to highly successful NATO and partner operations as well as O’Connor’s dynamic tenure as CG during his remarks.
Hodges acknowledged “the sacrifices that go into being a senior commander,” praising O’Connor’s performance in demanding times. He also praised the performance and determination of the organization he led.
“I don’t think there’s a sustainment command in the Army that works harder,” Hodges said. “I know there’s nobody better than the 21st because there’s nobody doing more than you all do. You’re stretched paper-thin, from the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea. You have 51 countries in the USAREUR and U.S. European Command areas of responsibility, and then you have Africa and you have Central Command. The 21st is involved in all of that.”
O’Connor praised the international regional effort he energetically supported as a key leader.
“‘Strong Europe’ is renowned across not only Europe, but the globe as the place to be if you want to see readiness, leader development and the longest standing and enduring alliance in action,” O’Connor said.
The outgoing CG also praised the team he commanded for two years.
“I would like to personally thank all of you Soldiers and families for your continued selfless service and your sacrifices,” O’Connor said. “Nobody gave success to you on a silver platter. As the lifeblood of USAREUR, you were always there with the right stuff at the right time … you stood tall as Army professionals, staying ready and living resilient under these unthinkable times and environments.”
O’Connor will retire from the Army after more than three decades of distinguished service. His eventful two-year command of the U.S. Army’s leading sustainment arm included significant force transformation, the addition of a medical brigade, establishment of a major transit hub in Eastern Europe, essential support to all major USAREUR operations ― prominently including Atlantic Resolve and facilitation of U.S. rotational forces serving in Europe.
Gamble thanked his predecessor and recommitted the command to a vibrant enabling role in a “Strong Europe.”
“Maj. Gen. O’Connor’s leadership and vision were instrumental to (TSC) efforts, and I am privileged to be following such a great leader, logistician and gentleman,” Gamble said.
“Readiness is the reason we exist,” he added. “Reflexive competence in your duties, your commitment and your character have made operational logistics a competitive advantage for our Army in Europe and Africa. Together we will sustain the gains you’ve made; we will continue to sense changes in our operating environment; and we will provide anticipatory sustainment. Together we will fulfill the unarticulated requirement.”
The new commanding general served as assistant deputy chief of staff for the Department of the Army Logistics staff at the Pentagon prior to assuming command of the TSC. A battle-tested combat leader who served in Operations Enduring Freedom, New Dawn, Iraqi Freedom, Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Gamble joined the Army in 1985.
A successful commander at all Army echelons from company through brigade, Gamble attended the Ordnance Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and Industrial College of the Armed Forces. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business economics from McDaniel College, a Master of Science in management logistics from Florida Institute of Technology and a Master of Science in national resource strategy from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.
His decorations and badges include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Master Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge and Army Staff Identification Badge.
