JAVA, Indonesia -- The 835th Surface Warriors played an integral role in the success of U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC) Pacific Pathways exercise Garuda Shield. Members of the 835th Transportation Battalion deployed on a mission-tailorable Terminal Management Teams (TMT) to Indonesia.
In August and September Team Champion deployed to Eastern Java, Indonesia, in support of Garuda Shield by deploying and re-deploying the 1-27th Infantry Battalion and 16 Combat Aviation Brigade. Team Champion, in coordination with other Surface Warriors across the globe were effectively "pitching and catching" units from home station into the India Pacific Command area of responsibility. Without the flexibility of the Surface Warriors neither could have participated in the month-long, joint-training exercise alongside the Indonesian National Armed Forces.
The ability of the 835th Transportation Battalion to pitch and catch units was rooted in an eight-person terminal management team that was deployed to ensure vehicles, cargo, and aviation elements were properly transported to Indonesia in order to support Garuda Shield on the island of Java.
The SDDC advantage was applied to safely and quickly discharge equipment from the M/V Ocean Jazz. The team coordinated with local stevedores and logistic agencies at locations throughout the Pacific in support of multiple exercises identical to Garuda Shield. True professionals expanding on partnerships, relationships, and friendships proved their skill sets transcended throughout the region.
Safety is paramount during all vessel and port operations. Garuda Shield was yet another successful mission delivering Readiness and Lethality at Speed.
The team continues to prepare for future missions across the command's strategic ports to achieve the desired result of timely delivery. No corners will be cut and all risks will be properly mitigated and briefed to support personnel prior to the start of every operation.