TUSTIN, Calif.- Soldiers of the 2nd Platoon, 163rd Ordnance Company, participated in a deployment ceremony Aug. 31 at the Tustin US Army Reserve Center in Tustin, Calif.
The 163rd OD Detachment's mission is to provide heavy lift support capability for ammunition operations in theater in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. During this deployment, they will operate an ammunition supply point at Camp Buehring, issuing and receiving force protection ammunition from units deploying and redeploying in theater.
First Lt. Brett Gibbons, 163rd OD detachment commander, was enthusiastic when he made his remarks, during the deployment ceremony.
"It is a sobering honor and privilege to lead these fine soldiers," said Gibbons. "I'm extremely excited and I will not cut corners or take shortcuts."
It was a overcast, cloudy day and very humid. More than a hundred friends and families sat under a canopy, ready to support their loved ones.
The 163rd has spent ten months preparing for this deployment. They have conducted Theater-Specific Individual Readiness Training, which focuses on providing deploying units/individuals with realistic scenarios that challenge participant’s critical thinking and decision-making skills so that they can be better prepared for managing actual events/encounters after deployment.
The unit will also receive post-mobilization training at Fort Dix, N.J.
"They are ready to go and I'm very proud of them," said Capt. Joycelyn Magday, 163rd OD Company commander. "I'm confident they will accomplish their mission and return safely."
The detachment stood in six ranks, disciplined and ready to do their duty. After the ceremony, soldiers, friends and families met in the unit drill hall for a reception with a meal and refreshments.
The soldiers of the 163d Ordnance Company have served in many different countries across the globe. Peacetime missions included Germany, Korea, Egypt, Italy and all across the United States of America. They have also served proudly in Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan and Jordan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.