JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
Senior leaders, family, and friends gathered to send off their loved ones and fellow U.S. Army Soldiers from 97th Transportation Company, 10th Trans. Battalion, 7th Trans. Brigade (Expeditionary), during a deployment ceremony at McClellan Fitness Center at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Nov. 20, 2018.
The crews are scheduled to deploy in support of Operation Spartan Shield. Soldiers prepared for this deployment by sailing thousands of miles, firing multiple weapon systems, and other training required for this mission.
“The work that these Soldiers have put in preparing for this mission has lead us to today,” said Capt. Francisco Gonzalez, 97th Trans. Co. commander. “Looking at you all, I know you are ready to complete any mission handed to you.”
The operation is designed to build partner capacity to promote regional self-reliance and increase security within the U.S. Central Command area of operation.
“I am ready and excited to take my crew out for the deployment,” said Staff Sgt. Jerry Lovin, 97th Trans. Co. vessel mate. “I know we will make the Brigade proud.”
Gonzalez concluded the ceremony by thanking the family and friends of the deploying Soldiers for all of their support and trusting the unit with their loved ones.