KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany — Brig. Gen. Paul M. Benenati assumed command of the 7th Civil Support Command during a change of command ceremony, Nov. 30, at Rhine Ordnance Barracks, here.

Maj. Gen. Aundre F. Piggee, commanding general, 21st Theater Sustainment Command, presided over the ceremony that passed the responsibility of command from Brig. Gen. Mark S. Hendrix, who departed after 17 months in command, to Benenati. “To the outstanding Soldiers and civilians who are the heart and soul of the 7th CSC, I am truly awed by the great work you have done over these past couple of years in standing up this amazing outfit, training and proving your mettle in real world missions,” said Piggee.

“Thank you for your service and your extraordinary contributions to our nation. Through the hard work you have given this unit under (Gen.) Hendrix, and the same dedication I know you will provide to (Gen.) Benenati, you will move this organization forward, keeping it ‘An Ocean Closer.'”

After Piggee’s remarks, the outgoing 7th CSC commander expressed his thanks and appreciation for the 7th CSC Soldiers, highlighting two units currently deployed to Afghanistan – the 793rd Movement Control Team and D Company, 457th Civil Affairs Battalion.

“For me today is just a day to say thanks,” Hendrix said. “To all of you thank you so much for everything.”   After Hendrix’s comments, the new 7th CSC commander spoke.

“It is a real honor to be chosen as the 7th CSC’s commander and to serve with you,” Benenati said. “I’m excited about being a member of this team. On a team, every member, regardless of their position, plays a critical and vital part in the overall success of the organization. After a decade of war, our Soldiers have begun to come home, but still, we continue to deploy Soldiers to Afghanistan to support the warfighter.”

Benenati continued: “We must be ready, tactically and technically proficient at all times, to answer the call of our leaders with little notice. There is much to do and I am confident that you are the right team to take us through this strategic turning point. It’s time to get back to work.”