Sustainers deploy in support of Haiti

By 3rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Public AffairsJanuary 20, 2010

Haiti Preparations
A Soldier of the 97th Transportation Company, 10th Battalion, 7th Sustainment Brigade, 3rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) ties down a Kalmar on the deck of the "Aldie," a U.S. Army Landing Craft Utility, Jan. 16 at Fort Eustis' 3rd Port in prepa... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT KNOX, Ky. (Jan. 20, 2010) - Between Jan. 15-17, liaison teams from Fort Knox's 3d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) deployed to Haiti, Fort Bragg, N.C., and U.S. Southern Command in support of relief efforts stemming from the earthquake devastation Jan. 12.

The command's experience gained from providing command and control for operational-level sustainment and distribution of supplies in support of Multi-National Corps-Iraq will play a key role in support of ongoing logistical operations in Haiti, command officials said.

The 3d ESC deployed three teams: one to U.S. Southern Command led by 3d ESC commander, Col. (P) Robin Akin; one to Haiti led by 3d ESC deputy commander, Col. Jarrold Reeves and one to Fort Bragg, N.C. These liaison teams will provide logistical expertise to U.S. Southern Command, Joint Task Force-Haiti and also the 18th Airborne Corps at Fort Bragg.

"Within our 3d ESC team, there are many years of experience amongst the Soldiers regarding sustainment and logistics," said Col. Marvin Whitaker, the 3d ESC's chief of staff. 'We are prepared to deploy at a moment's notice and our knowledge and experience will be key in assisting Joint Task Force Haiti in providing support to Haiti and its citizens."

"Our Soldiers are qualified and very capable of handling this mission in the wake of this disaster."

Much of Port-au-Prince was destroyed last week leaving Haiti's largest city and capital in ruins. Delivery of food and water are currently a high priority among those in need.

"I have no doubts in my mind that my Soldiers will perform exceptional work in support of relief efforts in Haiti," said Command Sgt. Maj. Willie C. Tennant, the 3d ESC's senior enlisted leader. "Sustainment and distribution are what we do as a command, and we're willing to help in any capacity that we are needed."

The 3d ESC provides logistics and distribution management anywhere, at any time, in any environment. The command returned to Fort Knox in August 2009 after serving a 15-month tour in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

(Spc. Michael Behlin serves with 3d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Public Affairs. For queries, contact 3d Sustainment Command Public Affairs at: (502) 624-8601. For high-resolution photos and stories by the 3d Sustainment Command, contact the Digital Video and Imagery Distribution System by calling (678) 421-6612 or access them online at http://www.dvidshub.net/units/3sce.)