710th Brigade Support Battalion Conducts Training in Beaumont
Published 3:29 pm Thursday, February 4, 2016
FORT POLK, La. – The 10th Mountain Division, the most deployed Division in the US Army, has a storied past of supporting hurricane relief efforts across the United States. On a moment’s notice, Soldiers from the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division’s 710th Brigade Support Battalion (formerly the 94th BSB) deployed and responded to Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy.
On Aug. 27, 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated the city of New Orleans and a large part of the United States Gulf Coast. The 710th Brigade Support Battalion was one of the first active component sustainment units tasked to support the people of Louisiana. On Nov. 15, 2012, Hurricane Sandy, the second-costliest hurricane in American history, hit the Northeast in late October, resulting in more than $50 million in damage. In response to the catastrophic storm, The 710th Brigade Support Battalion deployed to New York City and New Jersey, providing much needed relief to the citizens affected by the storm.
On February 1st, 2016, more than 200 Soldiers from the 710th Brigade Support Battalion will convoy from Fort Polk, La., to the Port of Beaumont, Texas, showcasing the Army’s ability to provide ground troop sustainment support for hurricane relief and mobility by loading military equipment on the Cape Trinity, a ship with the potential to rapidly move personnel and equipment to all areas affected by a hurricane. This training, keeping with the tradition of rapid deployment and hurricane support that has been part of the rich history of the 710th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, will also enhance our Soldiers ability to respond to a natural disaster.
The 710th BSB found an opportunity to train while saving the Army money as the ship is provided for free. The BSB is partnering with its sister battalion, giving the Louisiana National Guard and Alabama National Guard a chance to train on their skills while building camaraderie between the units. This exercise trains BSB Soldiers on loading, tying down and unloading sustainment equipment from a Military Sealift Command vessel enhancing the unit’s ability to quickly respond to a natural disaster.
For further information, please contact the 3rd Brigade Combat Team (LI) Public Affairs Office, 337-531-8019.