Army Reserve Soldiers train to sustain from ship to shore

Photo By Sgt. Jennifer Osborn | U.S. Army Reserve Sgt. Eugenio Nieves, a cargo specialist of the 743rd Transportation Company, communicates with hand signals to the crane operator during training at the Big Logistics Over The Shore, West exercises at Alameda, Calif., July 30, 2015. Big Logistics Over-The-Shore, West is an annual, Army Reserve, multi-echelon functional exercise designed for transportation units and sustainment commands to hone their expertise in Logistics Over-the-Shore operations from July 25 to Aug. 7, 2015. More than 750 Soldiers are participating this year. The exercise has grown into a multi-component exercise involving elements from the Active Component Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Coast Guard, and U.S. Maritime Administration are conducting operations at three Bay-Area California training locations: Camp Parks, Alameda Point, and Military Ocean Terminal-Concord (MOTCO).  

ALAMEDA, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES

07.30.2015

Story by Sgt. Jennifer Osborn 

311th Expeditionary Sustainment Command   

ALAMEDA, Calif. - Army Reserve Soldiers from 743rd Transportation Company, Boston, Massachusetts, conducted seaport operations training on the Navy’s Tactical-Auxiliary Crane Ship SS Grand Canyon State on July 30, 2015. More than 750 Army Reserve Soldiers from all over the United States are participating in the annual Big Logistics Over The Shore – West two week seaport and harbor operations exercise.

During this training, Soldiers performed lift-on/lift-off techniques, also known as “LoLo,” to move 40-foot shipping containers from Landing Craft Utility 2000 Army boats to the larger cargo vessel. Four Soldiers controlled the crane while dozens of others pulled ropes to guide and lock the containers into position on the top deck of the SS Grand Canyon State.

Sgt. Eugenio Nieves from the 743rd Transportation Company (Seaport Operations) led the Soldiers to safely accomplish their mission. Proudly serving as an Army Reserve Soldier since 2000, Nieves participated in three overseas deployments and worked in infantry, military police, and transportation. He explained not everyone can hear the commands to change movement of the containers so all the Soldiers repeat what is said, and they additionally use hand signals to ensure the crane operators understand the message. Every team member is vital to the success of the mission.

“Teamwork is very important,” said Nieves. “It is all about safety. As Soldiers, we need to get the supplies to the forces so they can get their job done.”

Sgt. Mellissa Hall, another cargo specialist with the 743rd Transportation Company, explained that her job is to provide other Soldiers with much-needed supplies so they are able to complete their missions. In the Army Reserve, she has learned it is important for Soldiers to work together and be punctual to ensure the success of others.

• Date Taken: 07.30.2015
• Date Posted: 08.01.2015 02:25
• Story ID: 171816
• Location: ALAMEDA, CALIFORNIA, US