United States and Albania interoperability DEFENDER-Europe 21

Photo By Staff Sgt. John Todd | Anthony Cakshiri, a photographer for the United States Embassy, displays a patch demonstrating the alliance between the United States and Albania during Joint Logistics Over the Shore in the port of Durres, Albania April 30, 2021. Defender-Europe is an annual large-scale U.S. Army-led, multinational, joint exercise designed to build readiness and interoperability between U.S., NATO and partner militaries. This year, more than 28,000 multinational forces from 27 nations will conduct nearly simultaneous operations across more than 30 training areas in more than a dozen countries from the Baltics to the strategically important Balkans and Black Sea Region. Follow the latest news and information about DEFENDER-Europe 21, visit www.EuropeAfrica.army.mil/DefenderEurope.  

DURRES, ALBANIA

05.04.2021

Story by Spc. Daria Jackson 

U.S. Army Europe and Africa     

DURRES, Albania– Soldiers from the 493rd Petroleum Support Company, 18th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, successfully transferred 20 thousand gallons of petroleum from ship to shore during a bulk fuel transfer over-the shore mission May 4, 2021, in Durres, Albania. This was the first operation of its kind in 30 years and was executed during Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore operations that are an ongoing part of DEFENDER-Europe 21 here.
The bulk fuel transfer over-the-shore also known as WET LOTS process involves receiving and distributing petroleum from a barge across the water to a fuel system supply point which they will use to filter and distribute the fuel to adjacent units.
“WET LOTS is the liquid logistics portion of JLOTS, which is the Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore,” said U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Myiah Gilbert, 493rd Petroleum Support Company, 18th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade, officer in charge.
JLOTS operations allow U.S. tactical sealift vessels to release and move equipment and personnel in severe environments, damaged ports, or over a bare beach.
“I feel working with the Albanians and being in another country is very important.” said U.S. Army Sgt. Nehemiah Wimbish, 493rd Petroleum Support Company, 18th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, petroleum supply specialist. “I feel as though the Albanians and being in their country giving us the opportunity to conduct a mission here is important because it shows the Albanians are willing to give us a shot and also become allies with us.”
DEFENDER-Europe is an annual large-scale U.S. Army-led, multinational, joint exercise designed to build readiness and interoperability between U.S., NATO and partner militaries. This year, more than 28,000 multinational forces from 27 nations will conduct nearly simultaneous operations across more than 30 training areas in more than a dozen countries from the Baltics to the strategically important Balkans and Black Sea Region. Follow the latest news and information about DEFENDER-Europe 21, visit www.EuropeAfrica.army.mil/DefenderEurope.

• Date Taken: 05.04.2021
• Date Posted: 05.06.2021 04:56
• Story ID: 395767
• Location: DURRES, AL