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SUMTER, S.C. (Aug. 17, 2009) - Third Army/U.S.
Army Central began a historic step in its move from Ft. McPherson,
Ga. to Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter, S.C. as leaders from the 20th
Fighter Wing, 9th Air Force, City of Sumter, S.C. and Third Army
broke ground for the unit's new command and control complex Aug.
17.
Third Army's headquarters complex is
scheduled to open in September 2011 and will include a command and
control headquarters, a headquarters and headquarters company
facility, and a motor pool.
Lt. Gen. William G. Webster, Third
Army/USARCENT commanding general, highlighted the importance of the
move in the command's history.
"We are excited to begin a new
chapter in our distinguished history with you here in South
Carolina today," Webster said. "Third Army, when established on
Shaw Air Force Base, will significantly add to the military
missions and overall military presence in the Sumter community and
in the state."
Commander of the 9th Air Force, Maj.
Gen. William Holland, also emphasized the impact the move will have
on current operations.
"Third Army/USARCENT has a long and
proud heritage," Holland said. "We look forward to our times ahead
building a shared history here at Shaw. Combat experience from the
Central Command area of responsibility has shown the absolute
necessity of our services continuing to cooperate at all levels as
a joint team. Co-locating our two headquarters at Shaw will further
strengthen our partnership and interoperability. We are truly
excited as we anticipate our future as one team, one mission and
one community."
The move will bring more than 1,000
Soldiers, hundreds of Families and a new economic impact, to Shaw
and Sumter, Webster said.
Sumter's mayor, Joseph T. McElveen,
Jr. stressed the support and hospitality these Soldiers, civilians
and Families will receive from the local community.
"You are going to find in Sumter that
we have spent 60 years or more trying to figure out ways to support
Shaw Air Force Base," McElveen said. "You are going to find that
the same folks that have been doing that for many years are going
to do that for our Army brothers and sisters as well. Each time you
need us, you can call on us. This community not only says it, we do
it."
Before picking up a golden shovel to
break ground and move Third Army into a new era, Webster took a
moment to offer thanks.
"Today is not just about a shovelful
of dirt, or a headquarters building, or a new neighbor; it is a
significant and positive change in all our lives. We look forward
to continuing our work with everyone here as we build our
capacities together. We are thankful for the support of the Shaw
and Sumter communities. Together our people and their Families will
build an even better team, working toward an even brighter future
together."
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