TAEGU, South Korea — When employees at the Army’s big repair and supply operation in South Korea think they have a good idea, their new boss wants to hear it.
“I don’t want to stymie my subordinates from offering opinions that could possibly increase the performance of the organization,” said Col. Charles J. Toomey, who assumed command of the Materiel Support Center-Korea at Camp Carroll in Waegwan on July 15.
Toomey replaces Col. Kevin M. Smith, who moves to Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md. Smith had commanded the support center since July 2001.
The center performs major repairs on military hardware — including tanks, trucks, radios and firearms — and a wide array of other items. It also warehouses certain supplies and equipment.
With about 1,000 personnel, mostly Korean national employees and U.S. civilians, the support center occupies a large portion of Camp Carroll’s 800 acres.
“I see my priorities as continuing to develop efficiencies, and improve the overall performance level of MSC-K,” Toomey said.
“It’s very important to me that I establish a comfortable command climate for the work force,” he said, “one that emphasizes quality performance but also a harmonious work environment.”
Making the most of technology also will be key, he said.
“I intend to continue to leverage technology,” Toomey said. “Hardly a day goes by when we cannot apply commercial, off-the-shelf technology to many of the functions we perform here in what I’ll call ‘military logistics.’”
