Headquartered in Daegu, Republic of Korea, the 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command is the largest forward-deployed multi-component ESC in the U.S. Army. 19th ESC provides Operational Sustainment and Mission Command of sustainment operations for 8th U.S. Army. On order, 19th ESC executes Non-Combatant Evacuation Operations (NEO), Combined/Joint Reception, Staging, Onward Movement, and Integration (RSO&I), provides support to Joint Forces and is prepared to provide mutual support to coalition forces.

 

The 19th ESC commander serves as the senior officer responsible for Area IV, which is the southern hub for sustainment and power projection on the peninsula. The ESC consists of approximately 5,600 assigned personnel spread across the Korean theater of operations. Collectively, the 19th ESC comprises a team of professionals to support all U.S. troops stationed in the Republic of Korea.

 

By working with multiple strategic partners, the 19th ESC integrates and synchronizes strategic sustainment capabilities with operational and tactical requirements throughout the peninsula. These partners include the Army Materiel Command's 403rd Army Field Support Brigade, the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command's 837th Transportation Battalion, the Defense Contract Management Agency-Korea, the 411th Contracting Support Brigade, the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Center-Korea, DLA Energy, and DLA Distribution.

 

Another unique and critical part of the 19th ESC mission is the combined nature of all of its operations in Korea. By closely working with ROK Army counterparts, to include the ROK 2nd Operational Command, the ROK Transportation Command, and the ROK Logistics Command, the 19th ESC builds on the strong alliance between the United States and the ROK to improve effectiveness and efficiency in sustaining units throughout the Korean theater of operations.

 

In conjunction with its partners, 19th ESC manages the southern hub, which is the sustainment and power projection backbone for the peninsula. It works closely with the U.S. Army Garrison Daegu to improve installation capabilities and services that enable the sustainment mission and improve quality of life for Soldiers, civilians, and families who live in the area.

 

Additionally, the ESC's outreach efforts through community relations programs such as the Korean American Friendship Circle and the USFK Good Neighbor Program, combined with continued relationships with local governments, help promote partnerships and cultural understanding between 19th ESC and the surrounding communities.

 

HISTORY

 

The 19th General Support Command was activated in Seoul, Republic of Korea, July 15, 1964.

 

In 1972 the 19th General Support Command was relocated to Daegu as a part of the consolidation of Eighth Army Support and Depot Commands. The 19th remained part of the US Army Korea Support Command until that command was dissolved. The 19th then merged with the 23rd Support Group to form the 19th Support Brigade (Provisional).

 

In November 1974, the 19th became a non-divisional brigade.

 

In March 1977, the 19th was designated as the 19th Support Command.

 

On February 14, 1994 the 19th Support Command was re-designated the 19th Theater Army Area Command, headquartered in Daegu.

 

On June 16, 2000, the unit was re-designated the 19th Theater Support Command (Provisional).

 

On December 16, 2005 the unit was re-designated as the 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command.

 

19TH ESC INSIGNIA AND CREST

 

The 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command's shoulder insignia features the outlined shape of the Rose of Sharon, the insignia is bordered in yellow and has a divided background of red and blue, taken from the central symbol of the Republic of Korea's flag. The insignia is proudly worn on the sleeves of all 19th ESC Soldiers from the sea to the DMZ.

 

The 19th ESC crest is set in gold. The blue and red colors symbolize support, while the keystone arch, from the Independence Gate in Seoul, signify the unit's activation and service in Korea. The blue contiguous stars denote the unit's organization under the COSTAR concept and the command and territorial controls in the assigned areas. The single flower, the Rose of Sharon and nine segments of the arch denote the command's numerical designation.