American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier (ARC) recently loaded the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT), 1st Infantry Division out of Fort Riley, Kansas on the M/V Endurance.
“I’m incredibly proud of the Dagger Brigade, and our soldiers are excited to train and build interoperability with our NATO allies and partners,” said Col. Bryan M. Harris, commander of the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division. “The 1st Infantry Division has a tremendous history in Europe, and the Dagger Brigade is ready to continue that legacy.” The Dagger Brigade will support Operation Atlantic Resolve.
The port operation was led by LTC Tyler Olsen, Commander, 842nd Transportation Battalion, 597th Transportation Brigade, Surface Deployment and Distribution Command (SDDC). LTC Olsen was impressed with the initial phases of the operation and concluded that “well maintained equipment and transparent communications are key factors in an effective, efficient, safe operation.”
M/V Endurance Chief Mate Dean Lynch and ARC General Manager Ameed Micko also conducted a vessel tour with a team from SDDC headquarters led by U.S. Navy Captain David W. Rodebush. Capt. Rodebush, Director of Operations (G3), SDDC, noted that, given the increased operational tempo over the past six months, “the sheer volume of equipment moved on time to the theater is truly remarkable and a testament to the incredible relationships between Dagger Brigade, SDDC, and the ARC team.”
The M/V Endurance is one of the largest, most capable commercial vessels in the global fleet with a 320-metric ton stern ramp, a main deck height of 20 feet (6.25 meters), and 262,252 square feet of militarily useful capacity. She can carry V-22s and CH-47s in sea configuration, allowing the highest readiness posture immediately upon discharge.