405th AFSB conducts change of command ceremony

The 405th Army Field Support Brigade conducted a change of command ceremony July 9 at Daenner Kaserne in Kaiserslautern.

21st TSC and 405th AFSB bid farewell to Col. Grant L. Morris who led the command of 405th AFSB since June 19, 2018. Col. Brad A. Bane officially assumed command of the brigade during the ceremony and brings 23 years of experience with him.

The 405th AFSB is assigned to the U.S. Army Sustainment Command but under the operational control of U.S. Army Europe. Their mission is to provide material enterprise support to U.S. forces throughout Europe and Africa. Today the 405th AFSB operates in 20 countries across U.S. Army Europe and U.S. Army Africa and consists of seven Logistic Readiness Centers, two Base Operations Directorates, and four Army Field Support Battalions supporting USAREUR and USARAF material enterprise requirements and providing AMC enablers and capabilities at the tactical point of need.

Commanding Maj. Gen. Chris Mohan of the 21st Theater Sustainment Command passes the brigade guidon colors to incoming commander Col. Brad A. Bane of the 405th Army Field Support. The passing of the guidon symbolizes the passing of command from the outgoing commander to the incoming commander.

During the ceremony, Morris said that he appreciated the mentorship he has received over the years and thanked his wife, mentors, leaders, peers and subordinates who have given him a small piece of their time and wisdom over his career.

“It is the assistance of a great support network that helps us find success in our endeavors, and I greatly appreciate mine,” Morris said. “I will miss you all but I won’t be far.”

Maj. Gen. Chris Mohan, 21st TSC commanding general, who presided over the ceremony, expressed the personal impact Morris has made throughout 405th AFSB, and how his legacy will benefit the brigade for many years to come.

“He wasn’t afraid to empower his subordinates, and took the time to mentor and coach those aspiring to advancement,” Mohan said. “He also recognized personal and team excellence, and never failed to let people know how much he appreciated their efforts.”

U.S. Army Col. Grant L. Morris, outgoing commander of 405th Army Field Support Brigade, gives his final remarks during a change of command ceremony in Kaiserslautern, July 9. Morris commanded the 405th AFSB for the last two years and now moves to become deputy director of logistics for U.S. European Command.

Mohan stated that the 405th AFSB has accomplished much and overcome many tests during the past year, including Defender 20 and the COVID-19 pandemic. He said Bane had a tough act to follow but with an outstanding team of professionals, he is confident that Bane is ready for the job and it will likely be the toughest, but also the most satisfying job he will ever have during his 23-year Army career.

“He’s more than ready to serve as commander of one of the Army’s most important logistics organizations, and he’s got the leadership abilities and technical skills to take the 405th AFSB to a whole new level of excellence,” Mohan said.

Bane thanked Mohan for being an outstanding boss and mentor over the last year while working as the chief of staff for 21st TSC and Morris for familiarizing him with the intricacies of the 405th prior to command, and who made the transition seamless.

“To the unit, I am humbled and honored to be your commander,” Bane said. “Thank you already for your support you have given me. I promise you, you will get it back in return. I promise you, you will get a caring, fair leader who is mission focused. In short, I promise you my best. I am honored to guide this organization through the next two years and to get the job done. Let’s get to work!”

The Morris family will start their next assignment not far away, in Stuttgart, where he will serve as deputy director of logistics for United States European Command