First deployment for trans units

Angelika Lantz
21st Theater Support Command


***image1***Two casing ceremonies turned into historic moments, signifying the first deployment for the 37th Transportation Command and the 28th Transportation Battalion headquarters.

The command’s colors were cased during a deployment ceremony held in front of the headquarters building on Kleber Kaserne July 29 and the battalion cased its flag at Wachenberg Castle in Weinheim, Germany July 31.
Although the 21st Theater Support Command’s 37th TC has been in existence for more than 69 years, it is the first time since World War II that the headquarters has deployed.

“Since the War on Global Terrorism began, the 37th TC has rotated several of its transportation, maintenance and military police companies in and out of Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan, but this is the first time the Soldiers of the headquarters are deploying,” Command Sgt. Maj. Tony Baker said.

Together, approximately 100 Soldiers and three Emergency Essential Department of the Army civilians deployed to Kuwait, replacing Soldiers from the 7th Transportation Group from Fort Eustis, Va. The 37th TC will lead transportation requirements for the Iraqi region and provide command and control for supply trucks. The 28th TB, one of four transportation battalions assigned to the 37th TC, will provide heavy equipment support downrange.
“The 28th Transportation Battalion headquarters will morph into Logistics Task Force 28 as it deploys in its ‘plug and play’ capacity to the (Iraq and Kuwait) theater of operations,” said Lt. Col. Stephen Farmen, 28th TB commander.