Photo By Staff Sgt. Dana Tourtellotte | U.S. Army Col. John “Eddie” Gray, Commander, 7th Transportation Brigade...... read more read more
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JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. — A group of Vietnam-era Transportation Corps. officers returned to tour their old stomping grounds here, Sept. 19, 2025.
The visit brought together more than 90 veterans, who trained at Fort Eustis before being deployed in support of the Vietnam War and their family members.
During the visit, they met with base leaders and present-day Transportation Corps Soldiers, experienced the maritime simulators and toured the U.S. Army Transportation Museum.
“After all these years since I’ve been back here, it’s very exciting to see the changes that have been made,” said Richard Sanborn, a former platoon commander for the 1099th medium boat company, who also completed transportation officer training here in 1967. “I was particularly interested to see the Maritime Intermodal Training Department and the simulations they were using for training. Now, troops no longer have to break stuff to learn about how to get the mission done.”
Returning to their training base decades later, the Transportation Corps Soldiers find their visit carries even deeper meaning this year; as this year also marks the 50th Anniversary of the Fall of Saigon, which signaled the end of the Vietnam War in April 1975.
“After talking with these young troops, I think the basic feeling remains the same as it was when I was in,” Sanborn said. “The mission is number one, (and we) find a way to get the job done.”
The day was filled with what the group described as nostalgic moments from one of the most fulfilling time periods of their lives. According to the Vietnam Soldiers, one of the most impactful parts of the day happened during the visit to 3rd Port, dubbed the “Army’s Navy.” Here, they received a briefing from current leaders on training operations, modernization efforts and how today’s transportation professionals build on the lessons of previous generations.
“These veterans paved the way for what we do today,” said Col. John “Eddie” Gray, 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary) Commander. “It’s important that our current Soldiers understand the legacy they’re a part of and that our veterans know their service continues to inspire and inform our mission.”
| Date Taken: | 09.19.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.19.2025 18:32 |
| Story ID: | 548812 |
| Location: | JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 44 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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