FORT HOOD, Texas — 180th Transportation Battalion, 15th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), cased its colors during a ceremony outside the battalion headquarters, June 30, in preparation for the battalion's upcoming deployment to Kuwait in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
"Our mission statement is simple — to conduct theater level transportation operations by both land and sea in support of [Central Command] operations to include the responsible drawdown of forces in Iraq," Lt. Col. Robert Villalobos, 180th Trans battalion commander, said.
Every day since the battalion redeployed in late 2006, they trained and conducted real-life missions. The Soldiers, under amazing leadership, are ready to take on this mission safely and successfully, Col. Larry Phelps, the 15th SB commander, said.
The Soldiers will provide critical transportation support from Habur Gate near Turkey to the Kuwait border and everything in between. They will be a critical link in the largest retrograde operation the Army has undertaken since World War II. They really are "Kings of the Road," Phelps said.
"Behind the scenes, the Soldiers of the 180th have worked tirelessly to provide crucial transportation support to every unit on this great post. The statistics are impressive ... 30,000 plus transportation missions, countless [material handling equipment] operations, you name it," Phelps said.
Villalobos said he was proud of his Soldiers and their achievements.
"Never before have I seen a more motivated group of Soldiers," Villalobos said. "Their accomplishments during our train-up were amazing."
Villalobos added, "Our outstanding rear detachment team, Capt. [Andy] Burrows, and Sgt. 1st Class [Linda] French are always here to support you."
Kelly Villalobos, the battalion's family readiness group leader; Burrows, the battalion's rear detachment commander; and French, the battalion's rear detachment sergeant major; are intended to be the battalion's rear detachment team.
"You [the family members] have a great leader in Kelly Villalobos and the Monarch rear detachment is ready to answer the call should you need anything," Phelps said.
"We are ready to execute our mission and to write another page in the history of the 13th Expeditionary Sustainment Command," Villalobos said.
"The Soldiers are confident, hungry and ready for the challenges that lie ahead."