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Reserve Cargo Handling Battalion Lowers Battle Flag for Last Time

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090710-26
Release Date: 7/10/2009 10:00:00 PM

By Lt. Brian J. Hoyt, Navy Operations Support Center Columbus Public Affairs

COLUMBUS, Ohio (NNS) -- A decommissioning ceremony was held for Navy Cargo Handling Battalion (NCHB) 9 at Navy Operational Support Center Columbus June 7.

Commissioned in 1984, NCHB 9 celebrated the end of its naval service, providing cargo handling support to expeditionary logistics commands, maritime prepositioned forces and expeditionary air cargo operations.

NCHB 9 is one of 11 battalions of more than 3,600 Sailors nationwide who are part of the Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group, headquartered out in Williamsburg, Va.

The keynote speaker, Rear Adm. Sharon H. Redpath, the vice commander of Navy Expeditionary Combat Command and commander of Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group, said, "it has been wonderful to meet some of the plank owners and past commanders of NCHB 9."

Redpath also spoke about the decision to decommission the unit, explaining that, as hard as it was to make this decision, it was important to the overall mission of the Navy.

"It is much more about realigning the force than standing down any one battalion," Redpath said.

In its 25-year history, NCHB 9 has conducted cargo operations on all seven continents, in countries such as Australia, Japan, Korea, Italy, Bahrain, Norway and the island of Okinawa. NCHB 9 earned a reputation of professionalism through consistent performance during six operational readiness assessments and evaluations.

Rear Adm. Raymond P. English, director of Joint Reserve Forces, J-9, at the Defense Logistics Agency and a former NCHB 9 commanding officer, recounted the two highly successful mobilizations he experienced with the Sailors of NCHB 9 during Operations Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom.

As the ceremony continued, Commodore, 3rd Navy Expeditionary Logistics Regiment Capt. Deborah P. Haven said, "[In their service] you are all true champions and guardians of liberty."

Haven went on to introduce Cmdr. Bill H. Neelans II, commanding officer for NCHB 9.

Neelans said, "I am proud and honored to have been associated with [the Sailors of the battalion]. Although you will continue to serve in other units with courage and commitment, I know there will always be a place in your heart for NCHB 9."

Upon completing his remarks, and in keeping with Navy tradition, Neelans then formally ordered his department heads to give their final reports. Once all final reports were made, he requested permission to haul down the battalion's commissioning pennant. Permission was granted, and for the final time, the commissioning pennant and battle flag of NCHB 9 was hauled down and retired.

For more news from Navy Operational Support Center Columbus, visit www.navy.mil/local/nosccolumbus/