FORT KNOX, KY –
1st Theater Sustainment Command (TSC) welcomed a new commanding general during a change of command ceremony held outside Fowler Hall July 2, 2019.
Maj. Gen. John P. Sullivan assumed command of the 1st TSC from Maj. Gen. Flem B. “Donnie” Walker Jr. before an audience of current and former leaders, community members, family, and 1st TSC Soldiers.
Lt. Gen. Terry R. Ferrell, commanding general, U.S. Army Central, presided over the ceremony.
Ferrell discussed all the operations that 1st TSC has overseen, from the command’s role in the drawdown of excess equipment in Afghanistan, to maintaining a presence in its forward-operating headquarters in Kuwait, and other countries in the U.S. Central Command area of operations.
“Donnie, you have been a phenomenal leader,” Ferrell said. “I’ll be honest with you from the bottom of my heart that I love you like a brother. We have a unique bond that will never be broken. You have been my right-hand man, and I will forever be thankful for that.”
Walker thanked Ferrell for his kind words and shared his thoughts on what it has been like to command the 1st TSC the last two years.
“This has been the most rewarding command experience of my career because we have accomplished so much,” Walker said.
Walker thanked his command team and all the officers, non-commissioned officers, Soldiers, Department of the Army (DA) civilians and contractors he has served with during his command.
“I am honored to have been your commanding general … you are all my heroes, superstars and the future of our Army,” Walker said.
He also thanked community members within the area.
“I will miss Fort Knox and the greater tri-county region and the surrounding community,” Walker said. “There is truly no better support network for our Soldiers, DA civilians and families than all of you - God bless you.”
During his time at 1st TSC, Walker oversaw the move of the unit’s headquarters from Fort Bragg, N.C. to Fort Knox, Ky., while still continuing its mission of sustainment operations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, which encompasses 20 countries and six million square miles.
Walker also expressed his confidence in Sullivan to lead 1st TSC.
“I can literally think of no other officer and command team that I would rather pass this tremendous responsibility on to,” Walker said. “I tell all of you today—especially those of you in formation—First Team is in good hands.”
Sullivan most recently served as the assistant deputy chief of staff, G-4, U.S. Army, at the Pentagon, in Washington, D.C. Prior to that, he was the commanding general of the 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, 8th Army, Republic of Korea.
As he concluded his remarks, Sullivan stated that he is committed to maintaining the Army Central Command’s established reputation for excellence.
“To the Soldiers and civilians of 1st TSC, please know that I am humbled and honored to be afforded the privilege of leading this incredibly high-performing team ... a team that will continue to provide Army Central Command with the world-class sustainment to which it has become accustomed,” Sullivan said. “Working with all of you, I look forward to navigating the challenges and opportunities which lay ahead.”