402nd AFSB welcomes DiBernardo as command sergeant major

FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii - The 402nd Army Field Support Brigade welcomed Command Sgt. Maj. Marc DiBernardo as its senior enlisted leader during a change of responsibility ceremony Sept. 10 at Palm Circle Gazebo on Fort Shafter.

DiBernardo assumed responsibility from Command Sgt. Maj. Luis Ortiz-Escalera, who served as the brigade's senior enlisted leader during a period of continued sustainment operations and support to warfighters throughout the Pacific.

During his tenure, Ortiz-Escalera emphasized engaged leadership across the geographically dispersed brigade. He regularly met with Soldiers, Army civilians and mission partners while reinforcing the connection between the brigade's workforce and the operational forces it supports.

The brigade command sergeant major serves as the commander's senior enlisted adviser and provides advice on the readiness, training, professional development and welfare of the workforce.

Within the 402nd AFSB, the position also requires engagement with personnel across a large operational area and coordination with organizations throughout the Army sustainment enterprise.

The 402nd AFSB serves as U.S. Army Sustainment Command's Army field support brigade in the Pacific. The brigade integrates U.S. Army Materiel Command capabilities to provide materiel readiness and sustainment support across the region.

DiBernardo said the scope of that responsibility became increasingly apparent as he learned more about the brigade and its mission from Ortiz-Escalera.

"Many could answer this by saying that it's a great accomplishment, but I see it as an honor to be placed in this position," DiBernardo said. "This brigade plays such a large role in the sustainment of the Pacific warfighter, so assuming responsibility for that means much is required."

DiBernardo brings experience from two assignments with the 25th Infantry Division and from his previous organization, where he supported the rapid projection of combat power.

He said those assignments influence how he approaches sustainment in the Pacific.

"If we can see sustainment in the Indo-Pacific through the lens of the Arctic and jungle warfighter, we can provide precision support," DiBernardo said.

That warfighter perspective is central to what DiBernardo expects from Soldiers and leaders across the brigade.

"We're not just sustainers. We're warfighters," DiBernardo said. "I expect that when we make sustainment decisions, we make them with the warfighter mentality."

DiBernardo said that mindset requires members of the brigade to challenge themselves and consider sustainment decisions from the perspective of the warfighters they support.

As he begins visiting organizations throughout the brigade, DiBernardo said he intends to listen to the workforce, learn more about its capabilities and identify areas where he can contribute.

"I am first looking for where I can help," DiBernardo said. "I am also listening to my Army civilians and contractors tell their story. I believe that everyone in this organization has talent. The better I understand their talent, the better I can advise my commander."

DiBernardo said communication among the command team and the Soldiers, Army civilians and contractors who execute the brigade's mission will remain a priority.

"I am your command sergeant major," DiBernardo said. "I am here to serve alongside you. When you see me, tell me what you need. Tell me where I can help."