307th deploys in support of surge efforts

By Staff Sgt. Nancy Deweese (USARPAC)May 26, 2010

307th deploys in support of surge efforts
Signifying the switch from a garrison environment to deployed status, Soldiers of Bravo Company, 307th ITSB, ceremonially change the flags on their right shoulders from the red, white and blue flag of non-deployed Soldiers to the subdued, black and w... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii--For the first time since the Vietnam War, friends and family members of Soldiers from the 307th Integrated Theater Signal Battalion's Headquarters and Headquarters and Bravo Companies gathered May 24 to bid farewell to the Soldiers at a deployment ceremony at Helemano Military Reservation in Wahiawa.

Soldiers of the 307th ITSB will deploy to Afghanistan in June in support of surge efforts there.

The 307th ITSB is responsible for tactical command, control, communications, and computer capability in the Pacific. Prior to being tasked for the deployment, the battalion's four companies supported the U.S. Army, Pacific's Theater Cooperation and Security Program. While HHC and Bravo Companies are in Afghanistan for the 12-month deployment, the remaining two, Alpha and Charlie Companies, will continue to support USARPAC's signal needs.

The deployment ceremony featured keynote speakers Brig. Gen. Alan R. Lynn, Commander of the 311th Signal Command, and Command Sgt. Maj. Gerald Williams of the U.S. Army Network Enterprise Technology Command and 9th Signal Command.

In his remarks to the Soldiers and their families, Lynn commended them on the speed with which they prepared for deployment. Soldiers of the unit had only a 90-day notice of their impending departure. During those 90 days, the Soldiers returned to Hawaii from an exercise in Thailand, certified for combat operations in Afghanistan and prepared their families for the deployment.

"The leaders and Soldiers standing before you did the impossible - they immediately accelerated their new equipment training and validation, and certified every single deploying team to the Army-validated Training Evaluation Plan standards," said Lynn.

Williams also praised the unit for their speed and professionalism in preparing for the deployment. He encouraged the Soldiers to be strong throughout the deployment.

"The long journey has just begun," he said. "Stay flexible, be adaptive. Take care of the mission, take care of yourself, and take care of each other."

Lynn also thanked the Soldiers' families for their support during the pre-deployment process. "To the spouses, children and family members of the Soldiers standing before us, thank you for the dedication, sacrifice, and support you have provided to your loved ones," he said. "None of this would have been possible without your constant support and understanding. You are the bedrock of our Army; no job is more difficult than yours."

Although the Soldiers had only three months to prepare, they were confident that they will succeed in Afghanistan. Sgt. Chrisopforus Johnson, a command post node team chief with Bravo Company, said although he has not been to Afghanistan before, he is ready to go.

"We're ready to accept any challenges that come along," he said. "Hopefully we can all come back safely."

Johnson deployed to Iraq in 2005; he said although he expects Afghanistan will be significantly different from Iraq, with the training he received with the 307th, he is confident he and his comrades will do well in the next year.

Lynn stated he is certain of the 307th's abilities as well. "I know the caliber of those who stand and sit before me," he said. "I have the utmost confidence in your ability to succeed in every endeavor that lies ahead of you."