SDDC marches into the future with redesignation, warfighter support mission.

This past quarter seems like a blur ... I continue to be impressed with the adaptability, flexibility and dedication of our workforce.

Great events are taking place around the organization that will continue to posture SDDC for years to come.

I want to thank everybody who made our Jan. 29 redesignation ceremony at Fort Eustis such a success. The attendance of so many of the organization's leaders and key industry supporters made it a memorable day for all of us. More importantly, the ceremony was special because employees of both the headquarters at Alexandria, Va., and Fort Eustis, Va. were in one place.

Many employees finally got to meet fellow employees who they only knew from phone contact. For many of the 70 employees bused in from Alexandria, it was their first look at Fort Eustis and the immediate area. From all I have heard they were impressed!

For the last few months out OPTEMPO has continued at a break neck pace. It doesn't matter where you work in SDDC, whether you're deployed or home, whether you're in Alexandria or FEVA ... one thing you can count on ... you're busy!

My trip to Southwest Asia was a highlight of the past few months. The Soldiers and civilians working for the 598th Transportation Group (an integrated task force of AC/RC folks from all over SDDC) are doing an extraordinary job. They're working under harsh conditions--wrestling with challenges such as climate and force protection.

One could only be impressed with the positive attitude, focused dedication, and superb performance of SDDC SWA forward. Many of these Soldiers have been in Turkey and Germany already.

SDDC's biggest challenge this winter and coming spring is the Operation Iraqi Freedom replacement of forces in Iraq, and OEF in Afghanistan. The movements are absolutely historic and are only shadowed in size by our actions in World War II.

We are moving elements from eight-and-a-half of the Army's 10 divisions. We are also moving a sizeable U.S. Marine Corps force.

Choreographing the simultaneous deployment and redeployment of these forces will take every ounce of energy we have. Orchestrating the flow of over 300 vessels from multiple SPOE into a single SPOD and ensuring the the synchronization makes the PAX flow--is PHD logistics! It won't happen by accident ... it will happen with the great team work of TRANSCOM, MSC, AMC, SDDC, CENTCOM, CFLCC, Joint Staff and Army Staff-just to name a few!

Brig. Gen. Mark Scheid and his Operations Center staff have their hands full. They are the center of gravity for this organization and enjoy great support of the entire SDDC team. Every day we work hard to support our No. #1 customer--the warfighter.

We are fully integrated into the TRANSCOM team. During OIF I, we had a record six ships on berth at one time in Kuwait. We've already had another first four LMSR's and one cape vessel on berth at the same time in Kuwait.

Awesome.

Think about the great young Americans at both ends loading and unloading these vessels. You are making history.

Thanks for your contribution!!!