497th CSSB equipment arrives by seaport for Atlantic Resolve

GDANSK, POLAND

03.29.2017

Courtesy Story

21st Theater Sustainment Command

The freighter arrived carrying 644 pieces of military equipment, including 311 pieces of rolling stock and 155 containers, which will be used to begin a 9-month rotation for the CSSB.

A blend of active duty, U.S. Army Reserve and Army National Guard Soldiers make up the battalion that will conduct combat sustainment support operations by providing ammunition handling, military police, postal and other logistical support operations across Eastern Europe to rotational units in support of Atlantic Resolve.

"Atlantic Resolve is a great opportunity to test forward speed of assembly, stress the transportation system, and identify improvements associated with receiving and transporting equipment, containers, and cargo with our Polish allies," said Capt. Jacy Schmidt, 635th Movement Control Commander. "We have learned a lot from this operation, and our Soldiers, leaders and capabilities have improved as a result of this mission. We were able to exercise key tasks and further build upon our reception, staging and onward movement expertise."

The 838th Transportation Battalion, military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, and elements of the 16th Sustainment Brigade, 39th Movement Control Battalion, 497th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 330th Movement Control Battalion, and 18th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, received, off-loaded, and staged equipment for onward movement to final destinations within Poland and Lithuania.

The arrival of an additional CSSB and MCB into the AR area of operations, significantly increases United States Army Europe's ability to sustain forces, ensure freedom of movement, and extend operational reach.

"This mission has provided 497th CSSB with an opportunity to work with a multifaceted logistical air, land, and sea support package that includes Polish Allies, TRANSCOM, SDDC, 16 SB, Army Reserves, Army National Guard, and Active Duty components," said 1st Lt. David Epperly, 497th CSSB, Unit Movement Officer. "The reception, staging, and onward movement activities provided us with a platform to train on deployment tasks in order to improve our expeditionary capabilities and exercise our ability to quickly deploy forces to Europe."

In addition to the arrival by port at Gdansk, more equipment for the CSSB will arrive by sea at that Port of Constanta in the coming days, where it will be staged in preparation for onward movement to its final destinations.

"From a leadership perspective, the planning and execution of the vessel download has been a challenging, but rewarding experience," said Sgt. 1st Class Soundiata Magriff, 793rd Movement Control Team First Sergeant. "The soldiers have enhanced their knowledge and proved their capabilities, while at the same time accomplishing the mission."

The capabilities of the 16th Sustainment Brigade, 21st Theater Sustainment Command, led to the accomplishment of the mission and demonstrated the U.S. commitment to the NATO alliance in supporting a Strong Europe.

• Date Taken: 03.29.2017
• Date Posted: 03.29.2017 15:45
• Story ID: 228509
• Location: GDANSK, PL