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KOPER, Slovenia —The 21st Theater Sustainment Command conducted Reception, Staging, and Onward Movement (RSOM) operations through the port of Koper on Dec. 28, carrying over 480 pieces of equipment assigned to the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division. Soldiers and civilians assigned to the 21st Theater Sustainment Command, the 16th Sustainment Brigade, the 598th Transportation Brigade (Surface Deployment and Distribution Command), and the Slovenian military and port authority ensured the mission was successful.
The selection of Koper for this operation highlights the logistical capabilities of Slovenia as a key contributor to the collective readiness of the NATO Alliance. The Slovenian logistical capabilities help bolster the European logistical enterprise, especially since this NATO ally can rapidly and effectively transport, not only large volumes of vehicles and equipment, but bulky vehicles such as M1 Abrams main battle tanks and M88 recovery vehicles. These vehicles play a vital role in the 1-3 ID to successfully execute their Assure and Deter mission at their respective forward operating sites.
“The port of Koper serves as a strategic gateway, not only as a driver of global trade, but also strengthening logistics readiness and supporting military operations across Europe," said Col. Gary Whittaccre, commander of the 598th Transportation Brigade.
According to Maj. Stephen Yashinski, executive officer of the 839th Transportation Battalion, equipment will be transported via a mix of commercial line haul and cargo rail through Europe. He emphasized the importance of teamwork and planning between Slovenia and the U.S. Army at the port of Koper.
"From assisting with vessel download to providing security, our Slovenian partners provided a wide range of support," said Yashinski. “Our Slovenian civil and military partners have been instrumental in ensuring this operation’s success.”
The 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia, will replace the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, as part of a regular rotation of forces to assure NATO allies, through U.S. military presence and joint training, and deter all aggression from adversaries along NATO’s eastern flank.
Maj. Jonathan Buckland, executive officer of the 5-7 Cavalry Squadron and the officer in charge (OIC) of 1-3ID’s port support detail in Koper, emphasizes how this RSOM operation seamlessly blends into their training objectives. “Deployment operations are a critical mission for all Brigade Combat Teams (BCTs), specifically an Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT), due to the sheer amount of heavy equipment. Crucial to that mission is ensuring interoperability with our Allies as they seamlessly facilitate the movement and integration of multi-national forces and equipment,” said Buckland. “This mission fosters enhanced joint operational readiness and strengthens strategic partnerships by enabling coordinated and efficient logistical support.”
Teamwork and interoperability are the major themes stemming from this operation. The notion that multiple agencies and units, with no relation to each other, can come together and successfully execute a complex multinational mission is the foundation of 21st TSC sustainment operations across the European Theater in support of the U.S. Army in Europe and Africa.
Capt. Jacob C. Utting, the port operations and life support OIC, expands on that very notion. “The RSOM is presenting excellent opportunities to further develop interoperability between the U.S. and Slovenian armed forces,” said Utting. “Leaders and Soldiers exercise cooperation with our Allies to conquer the challenges of deploying a Brigade Combat Team (BCT) within real-world constraints such as time, manpower, and infrastructure availability.”
Sgt. Maj. Lee Eggeman, the operations sergeant major for 5-7 CAV Squadron and the non-commissioned officer in charge (NCOIC) of 1-3ID’s port support detail, alludes to these themes from this mission as well. “These operations ensure the efficient reception and integration of personnel and equipment that enables the brigade to achieve mission readiness quickly,” said Eggeman. “Effective RSOM and LSA operations are essential for maintaining operational tempo, supporting strategic objectives, and ultimately enhancing the brigade’s ability to respond to any contingency within the European Theater.
The United States and Slovenia have a positive partnership rooted in a shared understanding of rightful self-determination and freedom through collective security. While it may be coincidental, this RSOM operation comes at the heels of the anniversary of Slovenia’s declaration of independence from Yugoslavia.
| Date Taken: | 01.03.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 01.14.2025 07:51 |
| Story ID: | 488655 |
| Location: | KOPER, SI |
| Web Views: | 69 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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