CAPU MIDIA, Romania (June 24, 2017) -- Late in the evening on June 24, Battery D, 5th Battalion 7th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, stationed at Baumholder, Germany, embarked on a nine day road march that would span more than 2,300 km, approximately 897 miles, and five countries.
Battery D reached Capu Midia Firing Range, along the Black Sea in Romania, on the morning of July 3, completing one of the longest tactical U.S. Patriot movements in history. The mounted vehicle road march was part of exercise Tobruq Legacy 17 (TL17).
The Battery's safe arrival in Romania, without any breakdown of equipment, is a reflection of the unit's mastery of collective skills and battle drills. Consistent and deliberate vehicle and systems maintenance forged the road march's success. The successful movement validated Battery D's policies, practices and procedures as well as the entirety of the unit's maintenance program.
Sgt. Timothy Beck, a Patriot Fire Control enhanced operator and maintainer, said the time on the road solidified unit cohesion and esprit de corps.
"Although this convoy had its frustrations, in the end, it really brought soldiers together to create a stronger bond as a unit," Beck said.
The convoy highlighted U.S. Army Europe forces and NATO allies, as each country coordinated with Battery D to provide police and military escorts ensuring swift freedom of movement along the interior lines of Europe.
Additionally, the host country allies provided sleeping accommodations, which served as essential resting areas throughout the duration of the convoy. In conjunction with German, Czech, Slovakian, Hungarian and Romanian police and military forces, Battery D's convoy successfully demonstrated U.S. Army Europe's ability to rapidly deploy a Patriot unit across Eastern Europe. These allied nations and partners helped contribute to a strong start to TL17.
TL17 creates the opportunity to integrate U.S. forces and their NATO allies into a combined Air Defense structure. As the exercise continues, NATO forces enhance their shared understanding in each other's capabilities. The completion of Battery D's convoy is reflective of the strong relationships it shares with its partners and allies.
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