'Titans' Conduct First Multi-Compositional Retrograde Mission

Photo By Staff Sgt. Ray Kokel | A Soldier assigned to the 377th Transportation Company, “Titans”, 87th Combat Sustainment Support Brigade, 15th Sustainment Brigade, watches as a heavy equipment transporter hauls a front loader to its next site. The “Titans” conducted their first multi-compositional convoy in Afghanistan Oct 16. The 15th Sustainment Brigade are responsible for providing sustainment support to U.S. Forces and select Coalition Forces throughout Regional Commands South, West, and Southwest in addition to assisting with synchronizing and executing the movement of retrograde equipment.  

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, AFGHANISTAN, AFGHANISTAN

10.16.2013

Story by Staff Sgt. Ray Kokel 

15th Sustainment Brigade

LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – The 377th Transportation Company, “Titans,” assigned to the 15th Sustainment Brigade based out of Fort Bliss, breaks the mold and conducts its first multi-compositional tactical operations convoy Oct. 16.

The “Titans” were primarily a heavy equipment transporter unit, but that has changed with the help of the 87th Combat Sustainment Support Brigade based out of Fort Stewart.

The 87th CSSB began training the “Titans” in September and wrapped up their training mid-October, just in time for their first multi-compositional mission. Some of the Titan’s training included learning how to operate mine-resistant ambush protected all-terrain vehicles, palletized load systems, and forklift vehicles as well as certification on convoy operations.

For 1st Lt. John Rossi, a native of Fredericksburg, Va., executive officer of the 377th TC, this mission indicates his team’s level of dedication.

“We have come a long way,” said Rossi. “Being able to perform at this level establishes us as a premier transportation company capable of accomplishing any mission anywhere.”

The “Titans” have run nearly 30 missions across Afghanistan as a HET unit in five months, transporting more than 4,900 tons of equipment spanning approximately 70,000 miles in three regional commands, RC-West, RC-Southwest, and RC-South.

According to 377th TC Maintenance Platoon Sergeant, Sgt. 1st Class William Dillon, a native of Gainesville, Fla., the extensive training from the 87th CSSB along with his own teams’ enthusiasm will have a major impact on their mission in Afghanistan.

“Now we have the ability to run our own convoys,” said Dillon. “We’ll be able to facilitate retrograde missions more effectively by reducing the need for assistance from multiple units.”

Dillon went on to explain that due to the active insurgency and challenging terrain, route clearance patrols are still an indispensable part of their convoy operations.

During the Titans first multi-compositional mission they traveled to Combat Outpost Shukvani in the North Helm Providence, were they dropped off two MRAP all-terrain vehicles and recovered several connexes and one MRAP.

“We’ll stay here at Shukvani for a couple of days until the RCP return to lead us back to Leatherneck until then we’ll stay here and build rapport with our customers.”

The “Titans” are responsible for providing sustainment support to U.S. Forces and select Coalition Forces throughout Regional Commands South, West, and Southwest in addition to assisting with synchronizing and executing the movement of retrograde equipment.

• Date Taken: 10.16.2013
• Date Posted: 11.02.2013 03:58
• Story ID: 116186
• Location: KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, AFGHANISTAN, AF
• Hometown: FORT BLISS, TX, US
• Hometown: FREDERICKSBURG, VA, US
• Hometown: GAINESVILLE, FL, US