CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait –
Maj. Gen. David Hill, deputy commanding general of US Army Central presided over a Change of Command ceremony for Area Support Group-Kuwait from Col. Steven Berger to Col. Shannon Nielsen on July 2, 2018 at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait.
“You led by putting your values – the Army values – first,” said Hill during his remarks about Berger, the outgoing commander. “You championed efforts that enhanced facilities and improved the health, morale, and welfare of not only ASG-Kuwait Soldiers, but all service members, DA civilians, and contractors working on Army camps throughout Kuwait.”
ASG- Kuwait is responsible for life support, protection of the force, and readiness training opportunities to thousands of tenant and transitional U.S. and coalition forces within Operation Spartan Shield. The Group is made up of a diverse team of Soldiers from all three Army components, to include active duty, National Guard, and the Reserves, as well as Department of the Army civilians. The Group’s critical role in US Army Central’s mission, requires the ASG-Kuwait commander to continually assess and lead with transitions in mind.
“The Army is about continuity of operations and we demonstrate this principle daily here in Kuwait.’ said Berger to the crowded chapel. “When one leader steps aside he or she is replaced with another great leader who is capable of taking on the job.”
Nielson is now responsible for commanding a security force battalion, a base support battalion, eight functional detachments and managing the Army garrison functions for Camps Arifjan, Buehring and Patriot.
“I am energized by this responsibility, committed to the Civilians and Soldiers of ASG-Kuwait, and focused on the mission of this great organization,” said Nielsen in his remarks.