Between continents: 839th Transportation Battalion moves equipment to North Africa

ALEXANDIA, Va. (USTCNS) --- When Pelle arrived in Tunisia, "Med-mooring" was used for cargo discharge.

This may seem strange to some but it is common among the countries around the Mediterranean Sea. In this type of mooring, a vessel is secured perpendicular to the landing point.

It was the right solution. Cargo discharge on Jan. 9, and later reloading on Jan. 24, was smooth, safe and uninterrupted for the Greek Flag, roll-on/roll-off ship on the Kharroube Air Base pier at Bizerte, Tunisia. Our feeling in the 839th Transportation Battalion is that we play an integral role in the decision-making process of ship positioning for cargo operations. In this case, we convinced the Military Sealift Command and the ship owner's to berth via Med-mooring.

The occasion was the Atlas Drop Exercise. Every year we are involved in the operation that sends equipment of the Southern European Task Force to Tunisia. A bilateral training event, the exercise is conducted with elements of the Tunisian Armed Forces. It is designed to enhance the working relationship of the two forces. At the same time, it allows American troops to train in the unique environment of the North African desert.

The cargo arrived by railroad at our Livorno location. We downloaded the equipment and later reloaded onto Pelle on Jan. 7. We moved equipment belonging to elements of the 173rd Airborne Brigade and the 1st Battalion, 508th Airborne Infantry Regiment. From the U.S. Army in Germany, addition equipment came from the 3rd Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment; the 236th Medical Evacuation Co., 30th Medical Brigade; and 191st Ordnance Battalion.

Pre-deployment planning is critical for an operation such as this. All of the difficulties were ironed out. It all starts during the planning phase of the exercise with our direct and personal involvement with the deploying units. We help our customers develop a Deployment Equipment List to determine the vehicles and cargo they require. We also help with reprinting bar coded labels that were incorrect, missing or damaged. This ensures a smooth-flowing exercise will take place.

By directly communicating on a daily basis with Military Sealift Command during the ocean transportation procurement phase, we ensure the best vessel for the mission will be chartered.

Teamwork contributed to our success. In particular, we received a flawless flow of cargo convoys to-and-from the ports.

Not to be forgotten, we received some great support from the Tunisians. The Tunisian Army, Air Force and Special Forces, the Port Authority, the vessel agent and the local stevedores all contributed to our successful discharge and reloading.

The equipment has now all safely been returned to home station. Another mission has been successfully completed. We are ready for the next one.

(FROM MILITARY TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT COMMAND PUBLIC AFFAIRS)