KINGS POINT, N.Y., March 5, 2014  – United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) Alumnus, CPT David Taliaferro, Class of 2007, has been chosen to lead 130 soldiers of the New York Army National Guard's 133rd Quartermaster Company / U.S. Central Command Materiel Recovery Element (CMRE), based out of Fort Hamilton, NY,  during their mobilization and deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. 

Captain Taliaferro was selected as commander based on his outstanding previous leadership experience overseas in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom / Operation Enduring Freedom, and domestically during Superstorm Sandy.  Taliaferro credits his Alma Mater saying, “Up to Superstorm Sandy my experience was primarily with the infantry, it is a plus that my degree from Kings Point is in Logistics.” Taliaferro carries on a long USMMA tradition of leadership and service to our nation.  USMMA Alumni have served in every conflict since World War II.

At a pre-deployment ceremony at Fort Hamilton, on February 22, 2014, USMMA Superintendent RADM James Helis, an Afghanistan veteran himself, spoke to the soldiers and their families.  RADM Helis told the families their soldiers were as well trained, equipped, and ready as they could be for the mission.   He thanked the families for their support, saying, “Your dedication, commitment, and courage are as important to the mission as that of your soldiers, and our nation owes you a debt a gratitude for your sacrifices.”   He reminded the soldiers to stay focused on their mission, to take care of each other, and wished them a safe return home at the end of their deployment.

The Quartermaster Supply Company mission normally operates general support supply facilities to receive, store and issue general supplies for military forces. However, this deployment, as part of the U.S. Central Command Materiel Recovery Element (CMRE), will focus on facilitating base closures and consolidating equipment throughout Afghanistan.

The unit will complete its predeployment training at Joint Base McGuire, Dix, Lakehurst in New Jersey before leaving for Afghanistan. The mobilization and deployment is expected to last twelve months.