Supply Support Activity Soldiers enable operations across European theater

By Spc. Trevares JohnsonNovember 6, 2023

Conducting Supply Support Activity Operations Across the European Theater
U.S. Army Sgt. Mark Reynolds and Sgt. Natalia Hurst, part of the 47th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, forward deployed to Europe, underscore the pivotal role the Supply Support Activity (SSA) plays in ensuring the brigade's logistical success during its deployment in Drawsko Combat Training Center in Poland. Reynolds emphasized the SSA's mission-critical task of supplying, maintaining, and repairing armored vehicles and equipment, highlighting its indispensable nature in maintaining the brigade's rapid response capability throughout the European theater. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Trevares Johnson) VIEW ORIGINAL

DRAWSKO POMORSKIE, Poland — In the heart of the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division deployment to Europe, the Supply Support Activity — based at Drawsko Combat Training Center, Poland — stands as a logistical linchpin. They enable the brigade to fulfill its mission across the European theater.

This bustling logistics facility plays a vital role in the brigade's readiness, offering critical supplies, maintenance and parts for armored vehicles, wheeled vehicles and tactical equipment. The Soldiers that run the SSA's steadfast dedication to ensuring that the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team remains combat-ready reflects the essence of military logistics excellence.

As the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team undertakes its mission in Europe, its success heavily hinges on the continuous and efficient operations of the SSA. The brigade's deployment and presence in Europe is part of a broader strategy to deter aggression while demonstrating unwavering solidarity with our Allies and partners.

Conducting Supply Support Activity Operations Across the European Theater
As the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team executes its mission in Europe, the SSA remains pivotal in ensuring timely and efficient logistics support, a critical component during deployments and training exercises. Soldiers like U.S. Army Spc. Sharese Packer, assigned to the 47th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, play a key role in maintaining the SSA as a dependable source of support, reinforcing the facility's indispensable position in the brigade's overall success and effectiveness. The SSA's strategic importance across the Baltic and Black Sea regions ensure the brigade's continued operational readiness, both domestically and during overseas deployments. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Trevares Johnson) VIEW ORIGINAL

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 47th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Spc. Ramiro Cruz Perez and Sgt. Kimberlee Hernandez provide insights into the crucial role the SSA plays in the brigade's logistics success.

Spc. Perez emphasized the SSA's indispensable role, "The SSA is the beating heart of our logistics operations, especially in a deployment of this magnitude. We're entrusted with the mission-critical task of supplying, maintaining and repairing our armored vehicles and equipment," he said. "Without the SSA, our brigade's ability to respond rapidly and effectively would be significantly compromised."

Sgt. Hernandez underscored the facility's extensive scope and significance. "We're not just managing equipment; we're managing the lifeline of our brigade," she said. "Every day, we ensure that the right supplies are delivered to the right place, empowering the brigade to stay fully operational. Our responsibility is paramount, and we take it to heart."

For the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, this is not a typical deployment as the SSA's significance extends beyond the borders of Poland. Its role in supporting the unit's mission is even more challenging due to the brigade's geographical spread across three NATO countries spanning 1.2 million miles that encompass its area of responsibility.

Ensuring that the required supplies, spare parts and equipment reach the correct place at the right time is a formidable logistical feat. Locations such as Novo Selo, Bulgaria — where the 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment is positioned — are over 1,400 miles and seven countries away from the SSA. But the SSA consistently accomplishes this feat with precision and dedication.

Conducting Supply Support Activity Operations Across the European Theater
The Supply Support Activity (SSA) at Drawsko Combat Training Center in Poland, proves to be a formidable logistical asset for the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, forward deployed to Europe, extending its logistical reach across three NATO countries. This SSA's unwavering dedication to ensuring the timely delivery of supplies, spare parts, and equipment, even when the recipient, such as the 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment in Novo Selo, Bulgaria, is over 1,400 miles away, exemplifies precision and commitment. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Trevares Johnson) VIEW ORIGINAL

Sgt. Hernandez further explained, "Our work doesn't end within the confines of our base. We extend our support to our troops deployed in multiple locations, be it Poland, Germany, Bulgaria, or any other part of our area of responsibility. The SSA guarantees that our Soldiers are well-equipped wherever they are."

Sgt. Hernandez emphasized the SSA's role as a central element in the brigade's success, saying, "Considering the vast operational footprint of our brigade, it's clear that the SSA is the cornerstone of our logistics chain."

The SSA's capacity to provide timely and efficient logistics support is especially crucial during deployments and training exercises, where the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team must demonstrate its operational excellence. The SSA's dedication to maintaining a well-equipped brigade ensures mission success, whether it be during exercises or real-world operations.

Conducting Supply Support Activity Operations Across the European Theater
U.S. Army Pfc. Jaramee Williams, assigned to the 47th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, forward deployed to Europe supports the SSA's role in extending logistical support beyond the borders of the brigade at Drawsko Combat Training Center in Poland, covering multiple NATO countries and spanning over 1.2 million square miles. Williams noted that the SSA guarantees well-equipped soldiers across various locations within the brigade's area of responsibility, making it a central element in the unit's operational success and effectiveness. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Trevares Johnson) VIEW ORIGINAL

As the SSA continues to excel in its mission, the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team can confidently face future challenges and respond effectively to emerging threats — the dedication and commitment of Soldiers like Spc. Perez and Sgt. Hernandez play a pivotal role in achieving this objective. Their dedication to maintaining the SSA as a reliable source of support underscores the critical role of this logistics facility in the brigade's overall success.

With its strategic importance spanning across the Baltic and Black Sea regions, the SSA ensures that the brigade remains fully operational, whether on domestic soil or overseas deployments. The SSA is not just a logistics hub but a cornerstone of the brigade's success, ensuring that armored vehicles, wheeled vehicles, and equipment remain mission-ready.

The 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team maintains many combat-capable forces in Europe. It exists to deter aggression; if deterrence fails, stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our Allies and partners against that aggression. The 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, headquarters is forward deployed to Drawsko Combat Training Center in Poland.

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