New arrivals ready to take mission in stride: 1-3 Cav assumes JDG security operations

Joint Task Force Guantanamo Public Affairs
Story by Staff Sgt. Carmen Fleischmann

Date: 07.18.2014
Posted: 07.18.2014 11:45
News ID: 136522
New arrivals ready to take mission in stride: 1-3 Cav assumes JDG security operations

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba - The ebb and flow of new faces at Joint Task Force Guantanamo never ceases; meeting people new to the GTMO “island” is a common occurrence. Among the familiar faces here, those of Avenger Troop, 3rd Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment are being replaced with new ones found in Crazyhorse Troop, 1st Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment from Fort Hood, Texas.

The Regiment of Mounted Riflemen have a unique history with Cuba. The 3rd Cavalry Regiment was deployed to Cuba in 1898, during the Spanish American War.

Army 1st Lt. Joshua Mendez, the executive officer for Crazyhorse Troop, says their regiment has sent Soldiers to unique places all over the globe, including Egypt and Afghanistan. Now Cuba will be added to that list as well.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Jeremy Robertson, the troop first sergeant, has high hopes for the accomplishments and productivity to be had here, for the troop and for the individual Soldiers.

“Our troop should leave here with a better understanding of joint operations and a better appreciation for our sister services, specifically the Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy,” said Robertson. “Additionally, we are going to work very hard to complete our deployment here with a level of MOS proficiency comparable with our 1st Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment counterparts serving in Afghanistan, through continued training at the infantry squad and team level.”

Army Capt. Andrew Oliver, the Commander for Crazyhorse Troop, sees their mission here as two fold. “All Soldiers, noncommissioned officers, and officers are focused on the professional execution of their mission here. In addition to that, Crazyhorse troopers are dedicated to returning from this mission more operationally ready and resilient through comprehensive soldier and family fitness.
Passing time while on deployment can be a hassle at times, everyone’s experience is often what they choose to make of it provided their resources. While the incoming unit will be busy performing the important mission of area security operations for the Joint Detention Group, Soldiers will still have the many amenities and resources of GTMO to help pass their time here, a luxury most tours don’t normally allow.

Spc. Benjamin Kelley, a light-wheel mechanic, says he’d gotten a pretty good idea of what to expect as far as climate and living conditions went prior to coming, and wants to make the most of his time here, when not contributing to the success of the JDG mission.

“It’s pretty much what I’d expect it to be like. I’m definitely going to look into getting my scuba certification while I’m here too. I just want to make the most of our tour here,” said Kelley.