Joint Readiness Exercise demonstrates Army’s transportation and rapid deployment capabilities through Covid-19

Photo By Spc. Nathaniel Gayle | U.S. Army Pfc. Ariel Rivera, a transportation management coordinator, documents vehicles being unloaded from the U.S.N.S. Fisher in Port Arthur, TX, Sept. 25, 2020. The Joint Readiness Exercise allows the U.S. Army to assess the unit's alert and recall procedures, pre-deployment processes and transportation of personnel and equipment. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Nathaniel Gayle, 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)  

PORT ARTHUR, TEXAS, UNITED STATES

09.29.2020

Story by Spc. Nathaniel Gayle 

U.S. Army Forces Command

In this world there are many unknowns, many unfortunate events, many factors that could make anyone's life, especially that of Soldiers that much more difficult to be successful. However, these are no reasons to give up and abandon what we stand for; these are reasons to push forward, overcome, and adapt to the change of this world so that every mission can be completed.
On Jan. 30, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a public health emergency of international concern due to the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19). On Jan. 31, 2020, the Secretary of Health and Human Services declared a public health emergency in the United States and announced new measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The virus rapidly spread across the globe at an accelerated pace and was classified as a pandemic on March 11, 2020, by the WHO.
The U.S. Army took swift measures in response to the pandemic to protect the force
and the nation. The response allowed the Army to maintain operational readiness while
supporting U.S. government agencies’ national response to the COVID-19 threat.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Army readiness over the past several
weeks has been minimal, despite the reduction or cancelation of high-profile exercises
and training events at home and abroad. Initial Entry Training, the Special Forces
Qualification Course, and the Ranger School are three examples of Army programs that
have continued training with effective screening, hygiene and social-distancing measures.
At posts, camps and stations in the United States and overseas, Soldiers have been able to conduct individual and small-unit training at the squad, section and team level while
implementing necessary safeguards against the virus.
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division was no-notice alerted Aug. 17, 2020 to mobilize and deploy en route to their pre-planned Joint Readiness Training Center rotation .
The mobilization of 2nd BCT’s equipment and Soldiers is no easy task. Large numbers of vehicles, aircraft, and supporting elements left Pearl Harbor Naval Base, Hawaii.
This Joint Readiness Exercise is an opportunity to validate the Army’s ability to deploy worldwide.
“Essentially what we do is provide assets to operate the cranes moving heavy and sensitive equipment, understand the layout and functions of the vessel, and download equipment for that unit to utilize their combat power so as they move forward we are the critical linkage between their equipment being mobilized and then utilized, said Cpt. Jordan Jendersee, commander, 368th Seaport Operations Company, 11th Transportation Battalion, 7th Transportation Brigade.
“The importance of this exercise exists for many reasons; we maintain readiness across the force, it also definitely shows regardless of the adversity all of the Department of Defense organizations can come together and operate at 100 percent efficiency.”
There are many roles and positions involved in an exercise of this caliber. And every job is as important as the next. The JRE provides units an opportunity to exercise procedures associated with recalling unit members, preparing equipment and personnel for deployment, deploying/ redeploying, and planning for and conducting a mission.
“We’re ready now, and always postured to execute”, said Jendersee.
Spc. Zachary Teachey, transportation management coordinator, 368th Seaport Ops. Co., works in a portable deployment kit in Port Arthur, Texas, helping fellow coordinators track equipment being offloaded the vessels so there is total accountability.
“When the mission begins, every piece of equipment has identification tags properly secured containing information that I can easily identify while it is disembarked so that no cargo is lost,” said Teachey.
“Missions like these are important so that Soldiers learn the knowledge of a real-life mission, and they can exercise it properly and on time.”
Even while the country still battles the Covid-19 pandemic the Army continues to successfully mitigate risks while committing to safely train our force so that readiness is maintained.
During the JRE, at the port entrances, every individual who enters is scanned for a normal body temperature and required to wear a face mask at all times.
“Maintaining masks while operating in hot environments can at times prove to be difficult but we’re pushing through and cleaning regularly to keep everyone safe and complete the mission”, said Staff Sgt. Darrell Baria, cargo specialist, 368th Seaport Ops. Co.
Soldiers under 7th Transportation Brigade have provided most of the coordination with cargo movement and operations as the Emergency Deployment Readiness Exercise continues onward to Fort Polk, Louisiana.

• Date Taken: 09.29.2020
• Date Posted: 01.28.2021 13:10
• Story ID: 379729
• Location: PORT ARTHUR, TEXAS, US