War Eagle brings multinational partnership to the Egyptian coast

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class William Tanner | Troopers assigned to Apache Troop, 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, participate in a land to air to sea casualty evacuation training exercise during their nine month rotation in the Sinai Peninsula, Egypt, Jan. 22, 2016. The purpose of the rotation is to train alongside the unit’s multinational military counter parts while conducting both training exercises and operations throughout the region.  

SINAI PENINSULA, EGYPT

02.18.2016

Story by Sgt. William Tanner 

2d Cavalry Regiment

SINAI PENINSULA, Egypt – Throughout the world, the U.S. Army works hard to make sure that its allies understand that they stand behind their message of successful multinational partnership.

The key to understanding U.S. resolve is never more evident than in the actions of American Soldiers throughout the world as demonstrated by the Troopers assigned to Apache Troop, 1st Squadron (War Eagle), 2nd Cavalry Regiment.

“War Eagle,” as the squadron is known throughout their Regiment, is currently deployed to Egypt for a nine-month rotation. During this time, the troopers will work in conjunction with Italian coastal patrol units as they assist in casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) operations and provide reinforcements to remote sites throughout the region.

One of the more recent training events, called “Isola Forte,” which is Italian for “strong island,” was a unique, land to air to sea, casualty evacuation training exercise the unit helped to complete on Jan. 22, 2016.

“The operation had two main purposes,” said 1st Lt. Shane Lowe, an officer assigned to Apache Troop. “The first purpose was to rehearse moving our South Camp Response Team to Tiran Island aboard Italian ships. The second was to rehearse evacuating a casualty by ship.”

During the battle drills, most of the troopers found themselves working under conditions they weren’t necessarily used to.

“Conducting operations out of ships and on the water is something that Soldiers don’t typically prepare for or have any experience with,” said Lowe. “Fortunately for me, I was able to attend the Army’s combat diver qualification course as a cadet, so I have experience in the water and with small boat operations.”

This previous experience helped Lowe to guide his Troopers while successfully completing their mission.

“Throughout the train-up and during the operation itself, I was able to share that experience and knowledge with the Soldiers,” said Lowe. “So they could safely execute their mission while also understanding the unique tactical challenges of water-based operations.”

Looking back on the operation, it was apparent that Lowe took a lot away from the training while also gaining an appreciation for his Italian counter parts.

“I think the training was extremely beneficial,” said Lowe. “It allowed us to establish a great relationship with our Italian Allies, which I’m sure will result in more training opportunities in the future.”

As for his troopers, Lowe seemed to be pleased with his unit’s response to a different type of training.

“The Soldiers seemed to enjoy it a lot,” said Lowe. “Even if they never conduct small boat operations again in their Army careers, at the very least, they will be more confident and competent swimmers for the rest of their lives.”

• Date Taken: 02.18.2016
• Date Posted: 02.22.2016 04:50
• Story ID: 189561
• Location: SINAI PENINSULA, EG