GAIZIUNAI, Lithuania (Jan. 26, 2016) — Soldiers, assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, received more than 50 vehicles, to include 17 Stryker combat vehicles during a rail offload operation at Gaiziunai, Lithuania, Jan. 15.
The receiving of this equipment now makes the Lightning Troop, based out of Vilseck, Germany, fully-mission capable as it begins its rotation in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve. The 2nd Cavalry Regiment recently replaced the 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division as U.S. Army Europe’s regionally-allocated force.
The 2nd Cavalry Regiment Soldiers said that they were eager to get their individual and collective training with the Lithuanian Land Forces underway.
“While we’re here, we will progress our training from the team level to the troop level,” said Cpt. Seth Pearson, Lightning Troop commander. “We’re definitely looking forward to training with our Lithuanian counterparts as we prepare for our final event, Exercise Strong Shield.”
Pearson said that the Lightning Troop will begin training soon, now that their equipment has arrived. He mentioned that one of the first classes his Soldiers would receive is cold weather training, given the frigid temperatures and icy conditions in Lithuania.
Assisting the Lightning Troop during the rail operation were Soldiers of the 627th Movement Control Team, or MCT, 39th Transportation Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade, who ensured vehicles and equipment were unloaded in a safe manner.
The 627th MCT also made sure Lightning Troop Soldiers received the correct nomenclature and amount of equipment originally shipped without damage.
“Throughout the operation, we ensured all personnel involved followed proper safety protocol while making sure they received the right equipment, in the same condition it was shipped,” said Staff Sgt. Seth Spayd, the 627th MCT movements noncommissioned officer in charge. “Everything checked out well today, so it was a huge success.”
Pearson mentioned that even though his Soldiers had to deal with a few vehicle maintenance issues, he was impressed by the hard work and resilience they displayed to overcome them.
“I’m really proud of my Soldiers today,” Pearson said. “Things don’t always go as planned, but the Soldiers were resourceful in making sure we accomplished our mission.”
Operation Atlantic Resolve provides U.S. and allied forces the opportunity to work and train together and improves their ability to operate as a combined force; that capability is essential to the security and strength of Europe.