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NEWS | Aug. 12, 2015

7th Trans. Bde. (Ex.) gains proficiency at C/JLOTS

By Staff Reports 633rd Air Base Wing Public Affairs

Preparation
The 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary), completed its annual Combined/Joint Logistics over the Shore exercise Aug. 6, 2015.

During the mission, which began May 11, the 7th Transs Bde (Ex.) assigned the 10th Transportation Battalion as the task force in charge of terminal operations.

U.S. Army Maj. Charles G. Fyffe said the battalion and the 7th Trans. Bde. (Ex.) prepared more than a year for the event and the long range execution plan for the command guided unit operations to several split-based locations across U.S. Army Pacific Command.


"We began this year with a high-paced training plan focused on the successful execution of the C/JLOTS exercise in Korea scheduled and executed last month," said Fyffe.

The C/JLOTS '15 train-up began with a communication's exercise and a tactical operations center exercise from Oct. 23-24, 2014. That exercise enhanced the unit's ability to deploy and redeploy all battalion headquarter elements and conduct watercraft and ground communication, in-transit visibility, staff operations, and enhanced  tactical communications proficiency, said Fyffe.

"The training improved staff reporting procedures, support tasks to units, and unit cohesion while also validating Battalion Communications Systems in accordance with Army standards" said Fyffe. "We adjusted our training to tailor it to the mission requirements based on the objectives of the operation"

From Dec. 8-12, 2014, the battallion expanded on training by conducting a field training exercise incorporating cargo transfer, seaport operations, in-transit visibility, land and sea convoy operations, motor transport, and staff operations all while executing an emergency deployment response exercise for a unit tasked for a defense chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear response force mission.

According to Fyffe, communications training targeted developing a battle staff capable of effectively conducting knowledge management, providing support to units from a forward deployed environment, and ensuring continuity at all times. Upon completion of training, the units validated the proficiency and deployability of every platform and also identified shortfalls to correct before the validation C/JLOTS exercise that took place Feb. 23 through March 7, 2015 and ultimately validation for C/J LOTS '15 in Korea.

Extensive planning and coordination allowed for 7th Trans. Brig. (Ex.) to successfully conduct a fully involved operation on Anzio Beach located at Fort Eustis, Virginia. During the exercise, the unit conducted terminal operations that validated the unit on in-stream modular causeway system construction, throughput operations, and LOTS command and control procedures. The successful build of an in-stream roll-on roll-off discharge facility and the in-stream build and stab of the Trident Pier were the key events of the exercise and set the stage for the execution of C/JLOTS '15 Korea.

Execution


While executing C/JLOTS Korea 2015, the Brigade was attached to Expeditionary Strike Group Three, commanded by U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Daniel H. Fillion, who served as the Joint Task Force commander.

"The Task Force benefited greatly as it began to understand its mission and strategic importance of Army Watercraft to the success of the exercise," said Fyffe.  "This understanding, allowed unit planners to provide critical analysis and detailed planning that assisted Expeditionary Strike Group Three in operational planning as well as working with the III Marine Expeditionary Force to identify customer requirements for the exercise. Once operations commenced, the planners quickly assessed our capability and immediately adjusted the plan for vessel transport to maximize the throughput capability of the Task Force as well as increasing the training effect for the exercise."


During the operation, the JTF formulated detailed maritime tracking products and scheduling procedures in order to ensure constant support to the III Marine Expeditionary Force and the Republic of Korea by using four different vessel transport modes with various load sets to perform ship-to-shore delivery of more than 150 pieces of rolling stock for both countries.


"The exercise also enabled the JTF to open new lines of communication with outside agencies as well as combined and joint partners, leading to successful training missions with the U.S. Navy, U.S. Forces Korea, U.S. Marines, and the Republic of Korea Marine and Navy Forces," said Fyffe. "This coordination created excellent training opportunities for Task Force Soldiers as well as 7th Trans. Brig. (Ex.) mariners."


The exercise also incorporated total force watercraft operations for Expeditionary Strike Group Three by integrating U.S. Army Reserve maritime partners including the 464th Transportation Company, 949th Floating Craft Company, 483rd Transportation Terminal Battalion, and the 651st Harbormaster Detachment as well as attached Army, Marine, Navy, and Coast Guard.


During the exercise, the JTF was able to validate its ability to execute command and control of assigned joint and combined forces. In addition, the JTF established and validated cargo throughput requirements for future missions. They also validated the United States Forces Korea's ability to conduct C/JLOTS operations on the west coast of Korea employing a 1840 feet Trident Pier over 400 meter tidal flats with the assigned and available stocks for the first time.


"Overall, the Operation was a total success and according to Fillion, 'We have completed our mission here and have deterred aggression by demonstrating this strategic capability for the first time ever with our combined partners in Korea,'" said Fyffe.