MTMC's Azores port to lose military members
In fact, when three remaining Army soldiers are reassigned within the next 18 months, the unit will be composed entirely of civilians.
Preparing for this fact, the 952nd Transportation Co., was redesignated as Azores Detachment in June.
Major improvements at the port of Praia da Vitoria, on the island of Terciera, and the use of commercial stevedores will allow the eventual transfer of all Army soldiers from the company.
"This is a good news story," said Col. Tom E. Thompson, commander, 598th Transportation Group. "We are able to reduce our force structure while continuing to provide the same high level of customer service in the Azores."
Through the use of commercial stevedores, the unit is able to offer same-day delivery for incoming privately owned vehicles and designated cargo.
In recent years, changes have come rapidly. The European Community constructed a modern commercial port facility across the bay from the military port. MTMC ceased instream operations in 1996 transitioning to the commercial terminal which allowed for the elimination of the military port's small vessels and tugs.
Employment of Portuguese support personnel declined from 46-to-24 over the last five years.
The Azores are located 900 miles west of Lisbon. Terciera is home to the U.S. Air Forces Azores and the 65th Air Base Wing which operates Lajes Field, a frequent refueling point for aircraft crossing the Atlantic.
The Army's presence in the Azores began in 1952 with the arrival of the 501st Transportation Battalion. The 501st set up operations and established the military port of Praia da Vitoria. At one point, MTMC employed a combined workforce of over 200 military and civilian employees,
The 501st eventually became the 1324th Medium Port Command which was redesignated the 952d Transportation Co. in October 1997. (FROM MILITARY TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT COMMAND PUBLIC AFFAIRS).
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