598th Transportation Brigade brings another capability to Atlantic Resolve

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Kyle Larsen | U.S. Army Reserve Cpl. Dustin Jobe, the noncommissioned officer in charge of lifting provisions, 647th Expeditionary Terminal Operations Element, supervises as an M1A2 Abram Tank from the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, is raised over the pier ledge at the Port of Vlissingen, Netherlands, to be lowered onto a low-barge ship for transportation to another location within Europe Oct. 12, 2019, at the Port of Vlissingen, Netherlands. The ETOE is deployed to Vlissingen to provide support to the 598th Transportation Brigade as they oversee nine different Atlantic Resolve port operations near simultaneously, which highlights United States Army Europe’s commitment to their NATO Allies and partners and build a stronger and more unified Europe. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Kyle Larsen.)  

PORT OF VLISSINGEN, NETHERLANDS

10.12.2019

Story by Sgt. Kyle Larsen 

5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment   

598th Transportation Brigade brings another capability to Atlantic Resolve
U.S. Army Story by Sgt. Kyle Larsen
5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

In the early morning mist off the North Sea, chains flexed as a tall crane lifted a 70-ton M1A2 Abrams tank over a low-barge, lowering it until it was directly aligned with the other massive tanks, already filling the vessel.

As part of the first U.S. military operation in recent memory to operate from the Port of Vlissingen, Netherlands, the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division enhanced its readiness by preparing to move a portion of its tracked wheel vehicles further inland by barge. The 2nd ABCT is deploying to the European theater for a nine-month rotation in support of Atlantic Resolve. The brigade conducted the barge operation on Oct. 12, 2019.

The port was bustling, as Soldiers from the 598th Transportation Brigade, 838th Transportation Battalion, facilitated the loading of the armored tracked vehicles onto low-barge inland cargo ships as one of four transportation methods implemented during the large-scale port operation.

This operation was a ‘team of teams’ effort that also included local Dutch contractors, U.S. active-duty Soldiers with 2nd ABCT, and reserve Soldiers from the 647th Expeditionary Terminal Operations Element.

“With all of these phases of the operation, it is extremely important that we utilize the proper safety precautions,” said Cpl. Dustin Jobe, the noncommissioned officer in charge of lifting provisions, 647th ETOE. “We’re using four different methods of transportation to move all of the equipment coming in to the port, and it is my job to ensure that we implement various procedures to assure the safety of all of the Soldiers and contractors at the port.”

The 647th ETOE is based out of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, which specializes in port operations. The integration of the U.S. Army Active, Reserve and National Guard units demonstrates the ability of the 598th Trans. Bde. to employ experts in every facet of transportation to enhance readiness and security in the region.

“The benefit of using the low-barge method of transportation, is that we are able to move larger quantities of heavy equipment quickly,” said Geerd Kuppens, the captain of the first low-barge cargo ship, as rain dripped off the brim of his construction hat. “The ship is able to carry 18 [M1A2 Abrams] armored tanks at one time, while reaching our destination within 36 hours.”

The quick deployment of Atlantic Resolve’s 5th rotation of a U.S. armored brigade demonstrates the U.S. Army’s ability to close the distance on potential adversaries who threaten the safety and security of allied and partnered nations.

As the day wore on, the staging yard at the port filled with various vehicles. The day rounded out as the sun lowered over the North Sea signaling the change of shift. The units will continue working 24-hour operations to ensure the timely and precise deployment of the armored brigade’s equipment.

• Date Taken: 10.12.2019
• Date Posted: 10.17.2019 09:08
• Story ID: 347944
• Location: PORT OF VLISSINGEN, NL
• Hometown: KAISERSLAUTERN, RP, DE
• Hometown: FORT CAVAZOS, TX, US