KLAIPEDA, Lithuania - Members of Task Force Stilwell, 627th Movement Control Team, 39th Transportation Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade recently oversaw the shipment of more than 40 pieces of equipment belonging to the 3rd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment April 25-27 at the Port of Klaipeda, Lithuania.
The TF Stilwell Soldiers ensured the 3rd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment received the correct type and amount of equipment, which ranged from Stryker Combat Vehicles to storage containers. TF Stilwell also ensured the equipment was not damaged during the shipping process.
Originally shipped from Gaiziunai, Lithuania by rail, the equipment was transported by ship to Kiel, Germany, where it will eventually be returned to its permanent location in Vilseck.
Leading the way for TF Stilwell was Staff Sgt. Evan Spayd, the 627th MCT movements noncommissioned officer in charge, who watched and managed the equipment as it was transferred from rail cars to ships.
"In the 627th MCT, we ensure that the way the cargo left Rukla Training Area is the way it is received here at the port with no damages and all of the pieces," said Spayd, a transportation management coordinator. "My role here is to do all of the customs export documentation so that the equipment can leave Lithuania and go to Germany."
Spayd said that his day to day duties at the port involved preparing customs documents and working as a liaison between the U.S. Army and cargo companies. He mentioned that this relationship is important because of the potential issues, problems that could possibly arise.
"We always strive to provide a good service to our fellow Soldiers and cargo companies and make sure equipment gets to where it needs to on time, and in good condition," said 1st Lt. Cameron Macdonald, TF Stilwell's operation officer. "Making sure we cross our T's and dot our I's makes the process smoother because it gives these companies one less thing to worry about."
Both Spayd and Macdonald mentioned the shipping process as being "ever-changing", as each day could potentially present a different situation. Spayd said that having knowledge in each area of the shipping process helps tremendously.
"We are jacks of all trades, but masters of none in a sense, all under the transportation umbrella," he said. "We always have to be nimble and agile in order to deal with everything we do."
Overall, Spayd said that the port operation was a success. He credits working with his Lithuanian counterparts as being his favorite experience throughout his time at the Klaipeda port.
"I find working with the locals to be very interesting, just seeing how they work," said Spayd. "It's just a cool experience, being able to work with another nation hands-on."
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