Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point welcomes new commander on 'hallowed ground'

“Hallowed ground.”

That’s how Major General Gavin A. Lawrence, commanding general of Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, referred to Fort Johnston during the Assumption of Command Ceremony for Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point (MOTSU). Fort Johnston once served as the home of the commander of the 596th Transportation Brigade at MOTSU.

While the building is no longer a U.S. Army post, it often provides a scenic backdrop during MOTSU’s change of command ceremonies. Tuesday was no exception. Overcast skies did not dampen the celebratory mood as the 596th Transportation Brigade of MOTSU welcomed Colonel Russell E. Henry as its new commander.

Henry expressed his appreciation for being able to have the ceremony in such a historic place.

“It’s very historic, hallowed ground for us to be a part of this community and supported by this community as we’ve really been partners with this community for the last almost 70 years,” Henry said. “It’s really important to be integrated with the community as they continue to support us, and we continue to support them.”

Henry said the thing he was looking forward most in his new role was “the people.”

“The people support the mission, the people make the mission happen, and being a part of this organization and serving alongside the people of this organization to continue to make a difference for our Army, for our nation, and of course, partner with our community, as well,” Henry said.

In addition to the members of the 596th Transportation Brigade, the ceremony drew crowds of onlookers and many local government officials from surrounding communities.

New Hanover County Commissioner Rob Zapple was among those who attended the ceremony Tuesday to support MOTSU and all it does for the community and the nation. He noted MOTSU is “critically important” to Southeastern North Carolina, and most don’t realize all that goes on to ensure America’s freedoms are protected.

“We never hear anything about it,” Zapple said. “It just happens.”

He referenced the Assumption of Command Ceremony, noting the seamless transfer of command was one example of MOTSU’s smooth operation as it supports military operations.

Russell thanked those for attending and concluded his remarks by pledging to continue the mission of the U.S. Army and the 596th Transportation Brigade.

“We are the Ironclad Brigade,” Russell said, “and we will continue to make a difference for our nation.”