CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ-EAST, Iraq - Soldiers from the 268th Cargo Transportation Company, 18th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade, completed a successful ten-month deployment during a transfer of authority ceremony here April 1.

During their deployment, the unit conducted numerous cargo transfer and linehaul missions for units throughout Multi-National Division - North.

"Without transporters, there are no bullets and beans for the combat Soldiers on the ground," said 1st Lt. Joel Ayala, commander, 268th CTC. "We not only supported our own troops, but the unit also helped to rebuild the country of Iraq by moving essential equipment to the local communities."

Cargo transfer Soldiers operated a central receiving shipping point yard, safely conducted convoy escort missions for contractor fuel trucks from the movement control team yard to the bulk fuel farm, provided material handling equipment in support of the re-deployment of the South Korean forces and provided support for the Iraqi provincial elections.

Ayala, a native of Bayamon, P.R., is very proud of his Soldiers' accomplishments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

"I am very satisfied and proud," Ayala said. "The Soldiers safely moved over 20,000 pieces of equipment without a single accident."

While in Iraq, the 268th CTC Soldiers from Ft. Buchanan, P.R. were based at Forward Operating Base Marez and Logistical Task Force Sykes.

The 18th CSSB welcomed the Soldiers of the 359th CTC from Fort Eustis, Va., who assumed responsibilities from the 268th CTC while continuing to support the ongoing logistical operations throughout MND-N.