Port Ops at Esbjerg, Denmark Support NATO's Enhanced Forward Presence

Photo By Spc. Elliott Page | Logisticians and transporters from the 598th Transportation Brigade - SDDC and the 21st Theater Sustainment Command began offloading more than 300 equipment items at the port in Esbjerg, Denmark, June 5, 2021. The equipment belongs to the U.S. Army National Guard’s 81st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, based in Seattle, which is deploying soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 161st Infantry Regiment to Europe in support of NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence.  

ESBJERG, DENMARK

06.05.2021

Story by Eleanor Prohaska 

21st Theater Sustainment Command

Logisticians and transporters from the 598th Transportation Brigade, Surface Deployment and Distribution Command and the 21st Theater Sustainment Command began offloading more than 300 equipment items at the port in Esbjerg, Denmark, June 5, 2021. The equipment belongs to the U.S. Army National Guard’s 81st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, based in Seattle, which is deploying soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 161st Infantry Regiment to Europe in support of NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) effort.

Approximately 800 soldiers began arriving at the Bemowo Piskie Training Area, Poland, last month. The soldiers will serve alongside NATO allies from Croatia, Romania and the United Kingdom, which collectively make up the eFP Battle Group-Poland.

The 81st’s contribution to eFP Poland is part of an overall deterrence posture demonstrating the alliance is prepared to meet any incursion with appropriate military force across the land, sea and air domains. The 81st deployment is the largest for the Washington National Guard since they deployed in 2009-2010 and 2004-2005 to support Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

This is the first time the U.S. Army has worked with the Danish armed forces at the Esbjerg port to execute an operation of this kind. Expanding the number and range of seaports able to support Army force deployments into Europe is a key objective for both 598th and 21st TSC logisticians and leaders.

“Our ability to efficiently and safely bring the 81st's equipment into Esbjerg demonstrates that we can work successfully alongside our Danish partners, both military and commercial, and deploy Army combat power into yet another key seaport in this theater,” said Col. Joshua D. Hirsch, 598th Transportation Brigade Commander. “This port operation is a major step forward for all involved and will further enhance strategic maneuver options for Army forces in the future."

After staging at the Esbjerg port, the 81st equipment will conduct onward movement through Denmark and Germany in route to its final destination in Poland. The equipment will move primarily via rail and commercial line-haul.

"My team is tasked with going onboard and making sure that we account for all of the equipment we were tracking that the unit was sending," said Capt. Morgan L. Paz, 355th Movement Control Team Commander. "We validate our manifests when going in, marking equipment, so once it's downloaded off the vessel by the unit that's bringing it in, we can safely deliver it to the staging yard. We make sure it is separated by the mode of transport from that point, and ensure our operations are moving as smoothly as possible."

The port operation is notable for the high-degree of cooperation between U.S. and Danish armies and industry personnel. "Operations at the port have gone extremely well. Better than expected even,” said Maj. Daniel P. Hartless, 950th Transportation Company Commander. “It's the first time the 950th has deployed to this port and that means it's a learning experience for all of us on the ground. The Danish logisticians, transporters and support personnel are incredibly professional and we've laid the groundwork for a lasting partnership with them. Successful operations cannot occur without partnerships with the port, relationships with commercial industry, and building friendships along the way."

• Date Taken: 06.05.2021
• Date Posted: 06.07.2021 13:44
• Story ID: 398299
• Location: ESBJERG, DK