By: Sgt. 1st Class Kelvin Ringold
13th Expeditionary Sustainment Command Public Affairs Office

FORT HOOD (Now designated Fort Cavazos) – As COVID-19 movement restrictions loosen, the 13th Expeditionary Sustainment Command said good-bye to their 26th commanding general.

Brig. Gen. Darren L. Werner, outgoing 13th ESC Commanding General, relinquished command to Col. (P) Ronald R. Ragin during a ceremony on Brig. Gen. Terrance J. Hildner Field May 29.

With the health and safety of the force and community a priority, the change-of-command ceremony was held with limited attendees, and live-streamed for those who could not attend.

During Werner’s two-year tenure, the 13th ESC units supported multiple rotations to combat training centers, deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Kosovo, Kuwait, Honduras, Africa, Central America, Europe and supported missions across the nation.

Maj. Gen. Scott Efflandt, Deputy Commanding General, III Corps and Fort Hood (Now designated Fort Cavazos), was the reviewing officer for the ceremony, and praised Werner for what the unit accomplished during his command.

“The 13th ESC has certainly lived up to their call sign, ‘Provider,’” Efflandt said. “Their continued support and dedication to Ft. Hood operations has provided improved sustainment operations and has directly increased lethality and readiness across Ft. Hood.”

Under Werner’s command, the 13th ESC Soldiers continued to set the standard as they supported countless missions in the U.S. and overseas.

“Over the past two years, you have contributed to every major contribution that’s been developed in our Army in maintenance, mobility and medical doctrine,” Werner said.

Werner thanked them for all they accomplished.

“I am extremely proud of all that this formation accomplished over the past two years and the hard-work put into making this unit what it is today,” Werner said.  “The Soldiers of the 13th ESC headquarters, the 49th Transportation Battalion, the 61st Quartermaster Battalion and the 1st Medical Brigade, continue to remain capable of any task and ready for any mission.”

Werner will now head to Michigan as the Commanding General for the U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, but will always cherish his time here at the Great Place.

“It has been a distinct honor being a member of this distinguished unit, and a Phantom Warrior at this Great Place,” Werner said. “I know that the Army chose well selecting Ron.  I know he’ll do an incredible job as the 13th ESC Commanding General, and I look forward to seeing all that you all accomplish together as a team.”

Col. (P) Ronald R. Ragin takes the reins after commanding the U.S. Army Operational Test Command for the last year, and was grateful for the opportunity to lead the “Lucky 13th.”

“I thank you for the opportunity and the trust you have instilled in me as the 13th ESC Commander,” Ragin said.  “I ask that you hold me accountable to sustain lethality and ensure the readiness of this corps.”

As the ceremony concluded, Ragin had a special message for the 13th ESC Family.

“To all the Soldiers and families of the 13th ESC,” Ragin said.  “I look forward to providing you with great leadership, direction and support.”

Please visit the 13th ESC Facebook page for video from the live-stream: https://www.facebook.com/13ESC/videos/1105981813106705/?__tn__=kC-R&eid=ARDr8wb8Zz8HPZQb-b7Wwp0EtODUKPCqt9CLk4YKV0HaFiN05EVz-33Pi-JdmMQr6NLxIr7gbJzPJvOc&hc_ref=ARRlBZtkfj8hoJzNxc-b0NbC93D_bzHNiJKoDBs5GBNIGis61AntcfBzeO1dKhdZPnc&fref=nf&__xts__[0]=68.ARDWgNi_EpIVzJ59675g-3Zb0IPvCArzYqJZFmwpvfiL1JY1LK26rVHMVcqXmI7zqf2RWxGSQp_BEPsiAj_4yYOaQXKkfDxZ-kSmiO5tiSaEpjf9_8hyH7DHLv6fNPIUu8O1kTzKKeIWR5t9xRkonyK819GN3yMn7b8uv9S8yZ4lkcGc24BjzRLY3W8NCmAABZPLMmCd_Mun85cUN3Y0VYk5nD3OtN0XyYnViOHVvByCRLw6mksnJ7GQ6O3Waehyquhq8a4SpZK6Y3ddAoShnwu0egTD-Fp-wA8RJ6dHpdZwmA7jvKpqbnjwQJZ9dM08e-5dD3If8fda9OPGy6g-Ael0qzii5Bk7