SOUTH CERNEY, United Kingdom - The recently appointed commander of the 104th Logistic Support Brigade, Brigadier Simon Hutchings, welcomed Col. Michelle M.T. Letcher, commander of the 16th Sustainment Brigade from Baumholder, Germany, at the 104th's headquarters here Nov. 19-20.
The two-part visit started with a formal dining-in, providing an opportunity for the two commanders to meet and discuss opportunities identified at the recent working group hosted by the 21st Theater Sustainment Command for the United Kingdom's Force Troops Command.
During the visit both organizations agreed that continuing equipment interoperability tests and sending representatives to strategic training exercises would further the brigades' partnership.
"Given the complex environment we find ourselves operating in on a day-to-day basis, it is critical we continue to foster interoperability and build a stronger relationship with one of our closest allies," Letcher said. "During this short trip, we were able to identify several areas we can hone our capabilities and continue to work together."
104th LSB leadership also took Letcher and other 16th SB representatives through the 17th Port and Maritime Regiment's area of operations, gaining a deeper understanding of capabilities and insight into their planned involvement in Exercise Shamal Storm. The exercise is set to take place in April 2016.
In addition to receiving capability briefs, 16th SB representatives watched a demonstration of watercraft within the 17th's fleet. The visit culminated with Letcher operating one of the 17th's port locomotives under a certified supervisor's observation.
"While the 17th Port and Maritime Regiment has a unique mission, there remain many commodities where we will continue to develop interoperability, particularly in the areas of fueling operations and cargo handling," said Capt. Jeff Browne, 16th SB's theater security cooperation coordinator. "What is more important than the difference in our missions is how our organizations complement each other and how we can leverage each other's strengths and assets."
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