Soldiers from the 20th CBRNE Command (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives) are supporting U.S. Army Pacific's initiative to increase training west of the international date line.

Soldiers from the Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington-based 110th Chemical Battalion (Technical Escort) joined 2nd Battalion, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team troops during the inaugural Pacific Pathways deployment.

More than 800 Soldiers from the 2-2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team "Lancers" are taking part in the deployment that includes exercises in Indonesia, Malaysia and Japan.

In command of U.S. Army forces in an area of operations that covers 16 time zones and 9,000 miles, U.S. Army Pacific is preparing to conduct three additional four-month Pacific Pathways deployments next year.

The 110th Chemical Battalion is part of the 48th Chemical Brigade and 20th CBRNE Command, the U.S. Army's only formation that combats chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive threats.

The Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland-based 20th CBRNE Command is home to 85 percent of the Active U.S. Army's CBRNE capabilities, with two Explosive Ordnance Disposal Groups, one CBRN Brigade and several special purpose capabilities, including deployable laboratories, Nuclear Disablement Teams and CBRNE Coordination Elements.

Staff Sgt. Austen Calica from Pensacola, Florida, and Staff Sgt. Mensah Wade from Alexander City, Alabama, are representing the battalion and assisting the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team with CBRN training.

The 20th CBRNE Command Soldiers are participating in Exercise Garuda Shield in Indonesia and will take part in Exercise Orient Shield in Japan. As part of Garuda Shield, Calica and Wade trained for jungle survival with Indonesian Soldiers.

Maj. Jonathan M. Larmore, the executive officer for the 110th Chemical Battalion (Technical Escort), said his Soldiers have forged a strong partnership with the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team during previous training exercises in South Korea, Washington State and California.

"The 110th Chemical Battalion consistently partners and collaborates with numerous units across Joint Base Lewis-McChord as well as National Guard and Army Reserve units in the state of Washington in an effort to capitalize on every training opportunity available," said Larmore, a Poplar Bluff, Missouri native.