2-1 Cav. Div. and 598th Trans. demonstrate American grit and resolve during port operations along the North Sea

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Kyle Larsen | An M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle drives off of a cargo ship at the Port of Vlissingen, Netherlands, Oct. 13, 2019. Approximately 2,250 pieces of equipment from 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, deployed to the Netherlands as they begin their nine-month rotation in support of Atlantic Resolve, which enhances the United States’ capabilities to deploy combat credible forces globally. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Kyle Larsen.)  

PORT OF VLISSINGEN, NETHERLANDS

10.13.2019

Story by Sgt. Kyle Larsen 

5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment   

2-1 Cav. Div. and 598th Trans. demonstrate American grit and resolve during port operations along the North Sea
U.S. Army Story by Sgt. Kyle Larsen
5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

U.S. Army Soldiers from the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, and 598th Transportation Brigade, demonstrated their resolve as rain pelted the Port of Vlissingen, Netherlands, late into the night of Oct. 13, 2019. The two brigades worked together to offload the second of three cargo vessels, bringing 2nd ABCT’s equipment from Fort Hood, Texas to Europe in support of Atlantic Resolve.

The second vessel, aptly named the Patriot, towered over the pier as the gate lowered slowly in preparation for unloading operations revealing lines of more than 600 armored vehicles, such as bulldozers and Bradley Fighting Vehicles, along with various other pieces of military equipment. The ability to move large amounts of armored vehicles demonstrates the U.S. Army’s ability to rapidly deploy combat credible forces globally in support of their NATO Allies and partner nations.

“We’re conducting management of port operations for in Vlissingen, Netherlands, but also in seven different countries and eight different sea ports,” said Col. Jin Pak, commander of the 598th Trans. Bde. “This is the first time that we have operated here in Vlissingen since Atlantic Resolve rotations began in 2016.”

The port off the coast of the North Sea is one of the main ports being used for the deployment of approximately 85 tanks, 120 Bradley fighting vehicles, 15 Paladins, 500 tracked vehicles, 1200 wheeled vehicles and pieces of equipment and 300 trailers, as 2nd ABCT begins their nine-month rotation in support of Atlantic Resolve.

As the wind swirled, the buses carrying the night shift from 2nd ABCT pulled to the gate and unloaded dozens of U.S. Soldiers. The armored brigade provided approximately 200 Soldiers to assist with driving and ground guiding the myriad of military vehicles as they were unloaded. From the moment the bus unloaded to the changing of shifts, the U.S. Soldiers demonstrated their dedication to the mission and showed their determination, off-loading the vehicles efficiently and safely.

“Our Soldiers are extremely committed to ensuring all of the equipment is offloaded and prepared for movement across the European region,” said Col. Jeremy S. Wilson, commander 2nd ABCT, 1st Cav. Div. “The Soldiers are going to continue running 24-hour operations in shifts until the final piece of equipment is offloaded. It is an impressive demonstration of our ability to rapidly deploy an armored brigade combat team using various modes of transportation both quickly and effectively."

Throughout their rotation, 2nd ABCT will participate in a number of multinational exercises, such as Dynamic Front and Combined Resolve, to display the force and capabilities of a fully ready and aligned armored brigade and the United States’ continued dedication to enhancing the security and readiness within the European Theater.

• Date Taken: 10.13.2019
• Date Posted: 10.17.2019 07:43
• Story ID: 347634
• Location: PORT OF VLISSINGEN, NL
• Hometown: KAISERSLAUTERN, RHEINLAND-PFALZ, DE
• Hometown: FORT CAVAZOS, TEXAS, US