VIENNA -- Technicians from 720th Explosive Ordnance Company, 18th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade conducted a memorable security mission at this historic city, helping to keep Secretary of State John Kerry safe during a peace summit held May 19 at the Palais Niederosterreich here.
"Very Important Person Protection Support Actions" involve screenings to mitigate threats such as explosives to distinguished persons such as U.S. officials and foreign dignitaries.
"VIPPSA missions are a great opportunity for EOD teams to apply their training and knowledge to protect America's dignitaries," said Staff Sgt. Robert Palmer, a team leader with the unit. "It was a challenge working with separate entities, including the Secret Service, K-9 units and other security forces, but we came together to achieve the same goal."
The "techs" screened three buildings, 250 reporters, 45 vehicles, 100 luggage bags, the secretary of state's quarters, the Palais Coburg and the Palais Niederosterreich.
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