Change of command: in a ceremony steeped in tradition, Maj. Gen. Kathleen Gainey assumes command of the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command.

Family, friends and colleagues from across the globe turned out in full force to welcome a new commander to the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command Oct. 6 at Fort Belvoir, Va. Maj. Gen. Kathleen Gainey accepted command from Brig. Gen. James Hodge.

Hodge, who was acting commander of SDDC since Aug. 28, told those gathered that he was honored to have served as the organization's commander as they awaited the arrival of Gainey. He joked that it was amazing how much one could accomplish in just two months.

'I can't begin to describe how much I enjoyed the responsibility and the opportunity," Hodge said. "Serving at the headquarters in Alexandria, rather than the operations center at Fort Eustis, gave me the chance to be exposed to directorates, issues and employees that I don't normally deal with. What a tremendous learning and growing experience. All told, it couldn't have been better."

The outgoing commander said he was blessed to have worked with both the USTRANSCOM and AMC four-star generals.

"But the biggest thing I gained from this experience was a renewed and fuller appreciation for the incredible professionals who make up this command," Hodge said, explaining that SDDC is a command full of the most dedicated, competent, caring professionals--both civilian and military. "They were always insightful, anticipatory and motivated-eager to help me out regardless of the difficulty or sacrifice required by the task."

As SDDC's new commanding general, Gainey stepped to the podium and briefly shared some of her philosophy and encouraged participation in her new organization. She also thanked her family and friends for their unending support and participating in her special day.

"As a young captain I was assigned to MTMC Western Area, Military Ocean Terminal Bay Area at Oakland Army Base," Gainey said. "Never did I dream that I would come back as the commanding officer of that same organization that we now call Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command.

"I am very impressed with all the great initiatives SDDC has taken on," she said, stating that she looked forward to becoming part of this organization and getting to know everyone. "I know you are committed to providing world class support to the Warfighter and their families around the world," Gainey concluded.

Gainey received her commission as a second lieutenant in ROTC in 1978 after graduating from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va., where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in special education.

After graduating from the Transportation Officer Basic Course in 1978, Gainey was assigned to the 68th Transportation Company, 28th Transportation Battalion, 37th Transportation Group, 4th Transportation Brigade in Germany where she served as a platoon leader and later as assistant S2 (Intelligence)/S-3 (Operations) of the 28th Transportation Battalion.

Upon completion of the Transportation Officer Advanced Course in 1982, Gainey was assigned as the documentation officer and shortly thereafter the Chief of the Container Freight Branch, Military Ocean Terminal Bay Area, part of Military Traffic Management Command, Western Area, Oakland Army Base, Calif.

In 1984, she assumed command of the 5th Transportation Company, 45th Support Group at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. She completed her tour in Hawaii as the S-4 for both the 45th Support Group and the 745th Supply and Services Battalion, 45th General Support Group in Schofield Barracks. In 1987, she attended Babson College, Wellesley, Mass., to complete her MBA in Contract Management and Procurement in 1989. In July 1989 she attended the Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kan., graduating in June 1990. She is a 1997 graduate of the Army War College.

Gainey's other assignments include: Program Analyst, Unites States Armament, Munitions and Chemical Command, Rock Island; Executive Officer, 2nd Area Support Group, 22nd Support Command and Operation Desert Storm, Saudi Arabia; S-2/S3, 702nd Transportation Battalion, 711th Transportation Group, 22nd Support Command and Operation Desert Storm (Residual Force), Saudi Arabia; Division Transportation Officer, 24th Infantry Division (Mech), Fort Stewart, Ga.; Commander, 6th Transportation Battalion, 7th Transportation Group, Fort Eustis, Va.; Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff, Army, Washington, D.C.; Commander 7th Corps Support Group, V Corps, U.S. Army Europe and Seventh Army, Germany; and Chief, Joint Mobility Operations Center J3, U.S. Transportation Command, Scott Air Force Base, Ill.; Commander, Defense Distribution Center, Defense Logistics Agency, New Cumberland, Pa.; Director, Force Projection and Distribution, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-4, Washington, D.C.; and Deputy Chief of Staff, Resources and Sustainment, Multi-National Force-Iraq, Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Her awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster; Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster; Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters; Joint Service Commendation Medal; and Army Commendation Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters among other awards and decorations.

by Jennifer Sanders

SDDC Headquarters, Fort Eustis