TORUN, Poland -- Host nation, U.S. and British forces teamed up to deliver a "Swift Response" June 7 at the Torun drop zone, successfully concluding a major airborne crisis response exercise in the process.
Swift Response is a U.S. Army Europe-led airborne crisis response exercise series focused on training the U.S. Global Response Force to conduct rapid, efficient and effective joint forcible entry operations alongside allied airborne forces in Europe. Participating units included the 82nd Airborne Division, the Polish 6th Airborne Brigade, and British 16th Air Assault Brigade.
The efforts of logisticians from the 39th Transportation Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade, and Polish 10th Logistics Brigade were indispensable to the success of the mission.
"This is first time our logisticians have participated in this type of recovery mission and is a great opportunity to learn valuable lessons from each other," said Maj Janusz Baranowski, a forward support group liaison officer from the Polish 10th Logistics Brigade. "We visited Baumholder prior to the exercise and were introduced to all of 16th Sustainment Brigade's staff, which contributed better communication between personnel within the brigade tactical operations center throughout the duration of this exercise."
The battalion's mission was to conduct theater distribution and logistics for Swift Response while simultaneously supporting Exercise Anakonda '16 and Sabre Strike.
Multinational interoperability is essential to allied success, and the brigade's diverse array of platforms and systems available for logistic operations facilitates successful collaboration.
Yet the human dimension of "interoperability" is as important as the technical one.
"Having the opportunity to work with several multinational partners was a rewarding experience," said Sgt. 1st Class Dewayne Kelly, a platoon sergeant assigned to the 51st Transportation Company. "We were able to come together seamlessly and provide support to for multinational paratroopers and witness first-hand, rapid combat power."
Multinational interoperability is an important principle underlying "force projection," which contributes to freedom of movement in a "Strong Europe." The battalion becomes more "interoperable" as well as more proficient with every international training opportunity.
"This was an awesome experience working with our Polish counterparts during this recovery mission," said Pfc. Louis Espinoza, a parachute rigger assigned to the 5th Quartermaster Theater Aerial Delivery Company. "This is my first major airborne recovery operation, and it's definitely one I'll never forget."
Social Sharing