WIESBADEN, Germany -- Brig. Gen. Markus Laubenthal, U.S. Army Europe chief of staff, visited with members of the 6981st Civilian Support Group Jan. 20, 2016 at their headquarters at Germersheim Army Depot, Germany.
During his visit Laubenthal received a briefing on the history, organization and capabilities of the 6981st CSG, toured the unit's facilities and saw demonstrations of cable splicing and other operational functions.
The 6981st CSG is a U.S. Army unit under 2nd Signal Brigade consisting exclusively of German civilians. The unit provides cost-efficient and high-quality installation work and solutions for passive inside and outside network upgrades, new installations or cable repair, whether it is copper or fiber optics.
Laubenthal has been USAREUR chief of staff since August 2014 and is the first German officer to be appointed to the position.
"It's an honor and a privilege for me to see my fellow countrymen working for the U.S. Army, just as I am," Laubenthal said.
Gerd Drechsler, commander of the 6981st CSG, said Laubenthal was the first USAREUR general officer to visit the unit in more than 30 years.
"It was a very special visit for us as it is a recognition and sign of esteem for our unit. That the chief of staff is a German general officer made it extra special for us," Drechsler said.
Col. Ed Buck, commander of 2nd Signal Brigade, said Laubenthal's visit was an important part of informing leadership about the brigade's capabilities that are vital to USAREUR's success.
"The 6981st is a very tangible representation of enabling the alliance. Executing over 650 communication infrastructure projects throughout the European Theater annually, the 6981st enables the dynamic presence that deters our enemies and assures our Allies and partners," Buck said.
Laubenthal called the 6981st CSG employees "unsung heroes" and said it would not be possible for USAREUR to accomplish its mission without their help.
"Thank you for what you are doing for U.S. Army Europe, and for what you are doing for our two countries, Germany and the United States," Laubenthal said.
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5th Signal Command's mission is to build, operate and defend network capabilities to enable mission command and create tactical, operational, and strategic flexibility for Army, Joint and Multinational forces in the EUCOM and AFRICOM areas of responsibility.
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