Baumholder, German -- Soldiers from the 5th Battalion, 7th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, and their partners from Britain's 19th Tank Transporter Squadron celebrate their achievements from operation Anakonda 16, by taking time to reflect on all they have achieved together.
On the morning of 23 May 2016, the 19th Tank Transporter Squadron dispatched an elite team of transporters and mechanics from Britain to Baumholder, Germany. This elite team supported 5th Battalion, 7th Air Defense Artillery Regiment as they conducted over 3,000 km worth of convoy operations during Anakonda 2016. Upon their arrival, 5-7 ADA BN integrated the 19th Tank Transporter Squadron into their planning and preparation. Lt. Mitch Cole of the 19th Tank Transporter Squadron partnered with Capt. Keith Fenlason from Service Company, 5-7 ADA BN and immediately began planning for the missions' logistical transport and recovery operations; to include 19th Tank Transporter Squadron actively participating in the battalion level Rehearsal of Concept drill.
5-7 ADA and 19th Tank Transporter Squadron started their month long exercise with an integrated multi-day convoy from Baumholder, Germany, to Ustka, Poland, and finally to Torun, Poland. The 19th Tank Transporter Squadron was essential to the movement of command post operating centers and essential air defense equipment. "They executed in true military fashion both the deployment to Poland and the return from," observed 2nd Lt. Nicole Lazo, the Field Maintenance Team Platoon Leader and Convoy Commander, "Our British Allies were very resilient to constant and ever changing plans during convoys and recovery operations."
19th Tank Transporter Squadron also participated in the Tri-Nation Combined Recovery Exercise with both 5-7 ADA and Poland's 3rd Surface to Air Missile Brigade. Cpl. Leigh Hitchen and his team conducted an exhibition for over 100 Soldiers, civilians, and media crews on the capabilities of the UK Light Equipment Transport, or LET, Trailer System. They participated in Service Company, 5-7 ADA BN's recovery drills both during the convoy and during the operation. 19th Tank Transporter Squadron's flexibility under the expertise of Staff Sgt. Richard Mackman enabled 5-7 ADA BN to jump from Ustka, Poland, to Torun, Poland, in one day with no stranded vehicles or containers. They then redeployed in support of 5-7 ADA BN back to Baumholder from 16-22 June 2016.
The 19th Tank Transporter Squardon's ability to work in conjunction with Service Company, 5-7 ADA BN during Anakonda 2016, contributed to the mission's success and allowed the nearly 3,000 kilometer exercise to be executed flawlessly. They are greatly appreciated by the Soldiers, Non-commissioned Officers, Warrant Officers, and Officers of 5th Battalion, 7th Air Defense Artillery Regiment for the extent of their hard work, cooperation, and extreme professionalism.
"The British Soldiers were true professionals and masters of their craft. It was an honor to work with them and we look forward to continuing our partnership." stated 1st Lt. Samuel Zyburt, the Maintenance Control Officer for 5-7 ADA BN.
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