American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier (ARC) Group’s M/V Endurance loaded the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT), 4th Infantry Division at the port of Beaumont, Texas to be discharged at various seaports in Europe. The Iron Brigade is deploying for their nine-month rotation supporting Operation Atlantic Resolve.
Since April 2014, U.S. Army Europe and Africa has led the Department of Defense’s Atlantic Resolve land efforts by rotating units based in the U.S. to Europe. There are four types of U.S. Army Atlantic Resolve rotations – armored, aviation, sustainment task force, and division headquarters. Rotational units conduct bilateral, joint, and multinational training events across more than a dozen countries. Atlantic Resolve enables the U.S. to enhance deterrence, increase readiness and support NATO.
LTC Tyler Olsen, Commander, 842nd Transportation Battalion, Surface Deployment Distribution Command (SDDC), Endurance Captain Shawn Hagerty and Military Sealift Command (MSC) Representatives on site all agreed that the efficiency of the loadout was key to getting in and out of the port to deliver combat equipment to the European Theater.
The M/V Endurance is one of the largest, most capable commercial vessels in the global fleet with a 320 metric ton (MT) stern ramp, main deck maximum height of 20 feet (6.25 meters), and 262,252 square feet of militarily useful capacity. She can also carry V-22s and CH-47s in sea configuration, allowing the highest readiness posture immediately upon discharge.