NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. - The 2016 American Petroleum Institute presented the 515th Transportation Company, 18th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion with the Best Tactical Petroleum Unit award, April 11th.
The API recognized 515th TC as the Best Tactical Petroleum Unit in the Army for it's continued mission support in Europe from Jan. 1 -- Dec. 31, 2016. During 2016, Soldiers from the 515th TC drove more than a million miles across 10 countries, supported seven multinational training exercises, and issued more than 2 million gallons of fuel. Anakonda 16 was the largest exercise 515th TC supported. The company sustained operations for more than 31,000 Soldiers from 24 countries across the European Theater, while simultaneously executing a Company-level field training exercise.
"The Soldiers in the 515th have shown through hard work and dedication to the mission in Europe that they are the best in the business when it comes to fuel and transportation operations," said Capt. David Deibler, 515th Transportation Company Commander. "Every day I am amazed at what they do and their importance to supporting a Strong Europe."
The Company developed multiple convoy support centers in Germany and Poland to resupply convoys with fuel, provide maintenance support, and provide route synchronization over a distance of 1,000 miles as units moved to and from home stations in Germany and Italy. During Anakonda 16, the unit executed 225 missions, drove 133,680 miles, and hauled more than 1.2 million gallons of fuel.
"This community fuels professionals…and that breeds a sense of community," said Brig. Gen. Martin Chapin, Energy Commander, Defense Logistics Agency.
The company command team accepted the award on behalf of the Soldiers of the 515th Transportation Company during the Defense Energy Support Center's annual Worldwide Energy Conference.
"This is one of the greatest achievements a unit can attain in our field," said 1st Sgt. Michael Kendrick, 515th Transportation Company First Sergeant. "We are often forgotten until units run out of fuel. We are lucky to have such a talented group of Soldiers, NCOs, and officers."
Each year the American Petroleum Institute and the Army Petroleum Center conducts the Army API Awards Ceremony. The Army API Awards Program recognizes excellence in petroleum management and fuel handling within the United States Army and the Department of Defense based on four critical mission categories: Army installation fixed bulk/retail petroleum operations, individual achievements and contributions of a fixed fuel facility's operations and maintenance support, Army tactical petroleum operations, and individual achievements and contributions of tactical petroleum personnel.
Editor's Note:
Social Sharing