MIHAIL KOGALNICEANU AIR BASE, Romania -- Logisticians from the 16th Sustainment Brigade's 18th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion struck a "Warhammer" blow on behalf mission readiness, forging a path to success in Saber Guardian '16, a multinational exercise slated to begin later this month.
"Task Force Warhammer," comprised of 18th CSSB personnel, provided essential equipment and fuel supplies to 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division Soldiers in preparation for the onset of Saber Guardian.
More than 2,700 Soldiers from 11 nations will participate in the multinational exercise designed to enhance joint combined interoperability among Americans, Romanians, NATO allies and other "Partnership for Peace" countries.
The units involved in the exercise call upon TF Warhammer personnel to meet numerous logistical requirements. Task force personnel, in turn, described the support mission as unique, challenging and interesting.
"Driving for more than eight hours through the mountains was a great experience," said Pfc. Juan Ojeda, a cargo specialist from San Juan, Puerto Rico assigned to the 1st Inland Cargo Transfer Company, 18th CSSB. "I feel like I have become a better driver. Driving on convoys may not be my assigned job, but this opportunity has allowed me the opportunity to become a well-rounded transporter."
Sustainment operations are always among the first priorities for large-scale exercises such as Saber Guardian. Units arriving in Europe from the U.S. rely heavily on support from 16th Sustainment Brigade logisticians to ensure their Soldiers have the proper life support and operational equipment.
Task Force personnel said they're up to the challenge.
"Driving a tactical truck carrying 15 tents is a huge responsibility," said Spc. Sebastian Yepes of Medellin, Colombia, a cargo specialist assigned to the 1st ICTC. "I had to make sure everything was secured and always kept an eye on my load."
Junior leaders reminded Task Force Soldiers of their critical role in the success of the exercise and its importance to regional security.
"Just because we are not in a combat environment doesn't mean the missions you complete aren't just as important as the missions downrange," Sgt. Alfredo Araguz of Brownsville, Texas, a wheeled vehicle mechanic assigned to the 1st ICTC, told his team at the conclusion of a major movement. "You should be proud of the work you are accomplishing here, as everyone in U.S. Army Europe is counting on each and every one of you to ensure mission success."
TF Warhammer will continue to support units participating in Saber Guardian through its projected completion date in early August.
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