GAIZIUNAI, Lithuania - Soldiers from Ghost Troop, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment received more than 70 pieces of equipment, to include Stryker Combat Vehicles April 22, 2016 at Gaiziunai, Lithuania, during a rail operation.
The equipment now makes the Ghost Troop fully mission capable as it begins its rotation in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve as U.S. Army Europe's regionally allocated force.
Members of Ghost Troop's leadership said that they were eager to get training underway with their counterparts from the Lithuanian Land Force.
"We're really excited to get our training going here," said Cpt. Sean McCune, Ghost Troop commander. "It's going to be exciting for us to see our training progression and that of the Lithuanian Land Force soldiers that we'll be partnered with."
McCune said that Ghost Troop's training will be in preparation for Exercise Saber Strike, the USAEUR led security cooperation exercise aimed to improve the cooperation and capabilities of NATO allies.
Assisting Ghost Troop during the rail operation were members of the 627th Movement Control Team, 39th Transportation Battalion (MC), 16th Sustainment Brigade, who ensured they received correct amount and nomenclature of equipment.
"Throughout the rail operation, we provided the coordination between our Soldiers and the Lithuanian rail assets," said Sgt. Edward Lapotsky, the 793rd MCT movements noncommissioned officer in charge. "We were responsible for making sure Ghost Troop received everything they originally shipped without damage."
With their equipment now in country, many Ghost Troops Soldiers echoed McCune's sentiment of being excited to begin training. For some, training with allied forces would be a valuable and unique experience.
"This is a really good opportunity for our Soldiers to see what our allies are capable of," said Staff Sgt. Timothy Hobbs, the assistant operations NCO for Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment. "Just the Soldiers seeing our partners and their abilities, and our capabilities together is a great opportunity."
Operation Atlantic Resolve provides regionally aligned forces the opportunity to work with and train alongside our NATO allies, forge relationships that foster trust and mutual understanding, strengthen interoperability, and demonstrate the United States' commitment to the NATO alliance.
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