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TACOMA, Wash. — Over the summer, Active and Reserve forces from the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command participated in two major logistics exercises—Turbo Distribution and Trans Mariner—at the Port of Tacoma, Wash.
Conducted under the direction of U.S. Transportation Command and in coordination with the Army Reserve, the exercises featured lead participation from the 596th Transportation Brigade and its 833rd Transportation Battalion, alongside Deployment Support Command units including the 1190th Deployment Support Brigade and 1184th and 1188th Deployment and Distribution Support Battalions. Leveraging real-world Korean Rotational Force operations as the assessment platform, Turbo Distribution evaluated SDDC’s Active-Duty capabilities in rapid port-opening and cargo movement, while Trans Mariner validated its Reserve force readiness in command and control, vessel discharge, documentation, and onward movement capabilities.
Together, the exercises tested SDDC’s ability to deploy, receive, and distribute critical cargo in support of joint operations, reinforcing readiness across the Joint Deployment and Distribution Enterprise. Throughout the summer, teams comprised of military and civilian logistics professionals refined port-opening procedures, tactical command transitions, and large-scale cargo movement under realistic, time-sensitive conditions.
Turbo Distribution: Leading the Charge
Turbo Distribution showcased the USTRANSCOM’s Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore capability, a critical system that enables military units to establish a temporary port on a bare beach using floating causeways and watercraft. This ensures vital supplies can reach affected communities even when traditional infrastructure is unavailable. The 596th TRANS BDE and 833rd TRANS BN led operations as the Joint Task Force–Port Opening command during the initial phase of the exercise. While the 596th provided overall command and control, the 833rd led operations on the ground, overseeing port assessments, vessel discharge, and the onward movement of equipment. The battalion’s coordination ensured seamless integration with all participating units and reinforced SDDC’s ability to execute strategic deployment operations in support of USTRANSCOM’s JLOTS mission.
Supporting these efforts were the 368th Seaport Operations Company, 140th Movement Control Team, 11th Transportation Battalion and 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary). Together, this team of teams played a critical role in receiving cargo, loading trucks, and managing distribution to forward operating yards.
“It’s been a good opportunity to integrate with our joint partners and share some of the products and procedures we’ve developed over the past year,” said Capt. Cole Christian, operations officer for the 833rd. “We’re conducting operations in a way that’s exportable, something we can use to integrate the force and support a real-world mission.”
That spirit of integration extended across services. Navy personnel from Expeditionary Port Unit Jacksonville were embedded in key command-and-control roles, supporting multi-faceted coordination with the battalion.
“Right off the bat, we were told to man the operations center and help track cargo from ship to shore,” said Lt. Cmdr. Jimmy Peluso, EPU executive officer. “It wasn’t traditionally our mission, but it showed how flexible we are and how well we can integrate into joint operations.”
Despite the unit being short-staffed and working extended hours, morale and teamwork remained high throughout the exercise, according to Sgt. 1st Class Justin Huff, 833rd operations sergeant.
“It gives Soldiers a reason why they do what they do,” Huff said. “It brings the forces together to understand we’re all on the same team.”
Leadership and Adaptability in Action
Leadership at the battalion level emphasized the importance of preparation and adaptability throughout the exercise.
“Mission execution of this kind comes from good people in the organization, people who are flexible, capable, and use their experiences to accomplish the mission,” said Lt. Col. Steven Taylor, 833rd commander.
He also highlighted a key moment when the Joint Assessment Team was alerted and quickly mobilized. Often operating behind the scenes, the JAT is the first to hit the ground, scouting ports, airfields, and distribution hubs to ensure the mission can move forward. Their work sets the stage for everything that follows.
“I had the pleasure of observing the team in action, and they executed superbly,” said Taylor. “Their ability to shift roles and maintain momentum while the JAT operated off-site demonstrated leadership and flexibility across the board.”
Looking ahead, Taylor sees exercises like Turbo Distribution as essential to future readiness.
“Regardless of mission essential tasks, our battalions are able to conduct real-world, limited-notice port opening if required and resourced to do so,” he continued. “It confirmed the flexibility and dynamic employment of the 833rd and the importance of training and equipping our teams for any mission.”
Trans Mariner: Extending the Mission
As Turbo Distribution concluded, the Trans Mariner exercise extended the mission into mid-August to support the redeployment of the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team. During this phase, the 596th TRANS BDE shifted from its primary location and deployed its Joint Unit Movement Portal Tactical Operations Center. This forward element is designed to provide critical mission command and operational oversight in austere environments as responsibilities are established, or in this case, transitioned to incoming Reserve units.
The 1190th TSB assumed command-level duties from the 596th, while the 1184th DDSB took over operational responsibilities from the 833rd. These transitions were executed using the Reserve units’ Annual Training periods, allowing for seamless continuity of operations. After two weeks, the 1188th DDSB rotated in to relieve the 1184th, continuing the mission without disruption.
The phased handoff showcased the flexibility and depth of SDDC’s deployment support structure, demonstrating how its active and Reserve components can synchronize efforts to maintain momentum across extended operations. The Jump TAC’s deployment was a pivotal enabler, ensuring leadership presence and situational awareness during the complex, multi-unit transition.
Reserve Units Deliver Real-World Impact
DSC’s Reserve units played a critical role in the success of both exercises, gaining hands-on experience that will shape future missions.
“From refining battle drills to hands-on training with vessel operations, our Soldiers now have a real understanding of the process for a vessel to be loaded and downloaded,” said Lt. Col. Sara Hare, commander of the 1188th DDSB.
Lt. Col. Lance Baker, commander of the 1184th DDSB, echoed the value of live training.
“Live repetitions are critical. Nothing replaces access to SDDC systems and the ability to input live data rather than just training,” he said. “TM25 was the closest DSC units have come to executing their mission in a two-week Annual Training environment.”
Baker also emphasized the real-world weight of leadership decisions.
“When SDDC and the 596th told us we had operational control of the Port of Tacoma, they meant it,” said Baker. “I felt like my decisions were real and without guardrails, allowed to make mistakes but expected to own the outcome.”
Strengthening Strategic Readiness
Together, Turbo Distribution and Trans Mariner reinforced SDDC’s ability to execute complex logistics operations under real-world conditions with its active and Reserve forces working together while showcasing the professionalism, adaptability, and strategic importance of transportation units across the joint force.
“The understanding of global surface logistics helps us grasp the strategic nature of our mission,” said Hare, “and how vital logistics are to trade, economies, and readiness across the force.”
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