JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
The U.S. Army’s 149th Seaport Operations Company, 10th Battalion, 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary), conducted a “roll-on, roll-off” training exercise on Fort Eustis’ 3rd Port at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Feb. 1, 2018.
Unofficially referred to as a “ro-ro” by Soldiers, the exercise gave the 149th SOC a chance to cultivate mission-readiness through realistic port activities in preparation for maritime operations that include safeguarding cargo transport strategies and facilitating supply and equipment transfers.
“We train at the company and talk about procedures, but training at 3rd Port gives us the opportunity to work with different units and use their vessels for a more hands-on experience,” said Sgt. Jacqueline Bryant, cargo specialist, 149th SOC, 10th Bn., 7th Trans. Bde. (Ex.).
Multiple vehicles and containers were loaded onto a vessel under the guidance of a safety officer while cargo specialists worked to secure and stabilize the cargo. Once secured, all cargo was then unloaded.
“Today’s ro-ro gives us a chance to get used to the expected work environment and implement the basic skills of our job,” said Spc. Devin Thompson, cargo specialist, 149th SOC, 10th Bn., 7th Trans. Bde. (Ex.). “Training on these vessels is a very big deal, and I feel more prepared after working out here.”
The 149th SOC set out to perfect the techniques and methods that will be executed in day-to-day duties in an effort to remain ever-ready for operations. Regular training in real-world environments strengthens Soldiers’ capabilities and instills confidence to perform those duties.