ADAZI, LATVIA - Speed and Power Soldiers case their colors signifying the end of their rotation in Europe in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve, a U.S. led effort in Eastern Europe that demonstrates the United States' commitment to the collective security of NATO and enduring peace and stability in the region.
A colors casing ceremony is a U.S. Army tradition that symbolizes the movement of a unit. At the ceremony they roll up the colors (unit flag) and pack them away until the unit reaches its destination. 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, performed this ceremony at Camp Adazi, Latvia Sept. 16, 2016.
The Speed and Power Soldiers spent their rotation in Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and Poland. While deployed they participated in various multi-national exercises to help improve interoperability between U.S. and allied units and increase readiness.
"Today in front of you, you see an excellent representation of what embodies Operation Atlantic Resolve North. Our battalion's mission was to promote regional stability, develop interoperability with our allies, and sustain combat readiness." Lt. Col. Johnny Evans, the commander of 3rd Bn. 69th Arm. Rgmt., said during his speech, "Some of the things that we accomplished during this rotation include 22 partnered live fire exercises, 12 partnered situational training exercises, excellence in armor, 21 public outreach events, and more."
The unit conducted a wide range of training with allied and partner units including Flaming Thunder, a two-week long multinational live fire coordination exercise which was conducted to enhance interoperability among NATO fire support units.
More than once the unit integrated their M2A2 Bradley Fighting Vehicles and M1A2 Abrams Tanks with UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopters, from 1st Armored Division. During training they conducted air insertions alongside their NATO allies.
"I think it is important that we train with our NATO allies because we are never going to fight in a time of war by ourselves," said Col. Phil Brooks, commander of 1st Armor Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division
"To say the least the battalion was busy," Evans said in his speech. "It seems like it just started, but now we finally come to an end for this mission. The soldiers you see in front of you gave all that they had during this rotation. There's no doubt that you have made a difference not just in our host nations, but you have made a difference in the U.S. Army and in our nation. For that you can forever hold your heads up high and be proud, I am proud of you all."
Now that the Soldiers from 3rd Bn., 69th Arm. Rgmt. are departing, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, will be taking their place to work with allied and partner nations in the region for the next six months to strengthen the alliance.
"I am glad that I made many lasting relationships while we have been over here (Europe). I had so much fun on this rotation," Pvt. Alexis Staffieri, native of Thornton, Colo., a Intel Analyst assigned to Headquarters Company, 3rd Bn., 69th Arm. Rgmt. stated after the ceremony, "At the same time I am definitely excited to be going home and seeing my family again."
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U.S. Army Europe is uniquely positioned in its 51 country area of responsibility to advance American strategic interests in Europe and Eurasia. The relationships we build during more than 1,000 theater security cooperation events in more than 40 countries each year lead directly to support for multinational contingency operations around the world, strengthen regional partnerships and enhance global security.
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