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MRAP delivery milestone reached (4/10)

The U.S. Transportation Command has issued the following news release, which also is available on the TRANSCOM web site HERE. Many of the MRAPs have been delivered by SIU-crewed ships. Promise made, promise kept: Supply chain partners deliver 5,000+ MRAPs to warfighters SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. - Supply chain partners, from manufacturer to the front lines, reached a major milestone in keeping warfighters in Iraq and Afghanistan safe from the effects of many improvised explosive devices. As of April 5, more than 5,000 mine-resistant, ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles have been delivered to the U.S. Central Command area of operations. The milestone of 5,000 occurs a little more than three months after the Department of Defense kept its promise of 1,500 of the vehicles in theater before the end of 2007. In fact, as of today, the total has already climbed to more than 5,200. An earlier turning point occurred in late March. The number of vehicles delivered by sea exceeded the number airlifted to the area of operations. U.S. Transportation Command officials project that by the end of June, all MRAP vehicles will be shipped by sea. Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., assigned as the Joint Program Executive Office (PEO), manages the overall MRAP program for the Department of Defense. Prior to shipment, the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command center at Charleston, S.C., integrates and installs government furnished equipment into the vehicles. "The many successes of the Joint MRAP Vehicle program are the result of an overwhelming team effort by the many players in this program," said Brig. Gen. Michael Brogan, commander, Marine Corps Systems Command/Joint PEO. "From production to integration, from transportation to fielding, a number of commands and organizations have played major roles in this program. The professionals from USTRANSCOM exhibited flexibility and resourcefulness to accomplish the movement mission." USTRANSCOM has played a role in getting MRAPs into the hands of warfighters quickly and efficiently. The command's MRAP End-to-End Distribution team has been monitoring the pipeline from production through to arrival in theater and delivery to final destination. "The Defense Transportation System has flexed to support the needs of USCENTCOM. Our success is definitely a team effort," said Army Lt. Col. John Hanson, USTRANSCOM's MRAP End-to-End Distribution Team lead. This success is also significant, considering USTRANSCOM also supported the President, humanitarian relief operations around the world, and commitments made to USCENTCOM and other combatant commands. The transportation team included members of the command's components to ensure visibility throughout the system. Air Mobility Command C-5 Galaxy, C-17 Globemaster III and contracted AN-124 Condor aircraft delivered the majority of MRAPs until this week. The Army's Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command scheduled ocean carrier deliveries by sea and handled port operations. The Navy's Military Sealift Command delivered vehicles with its fast sealift ships and large, medium-speed, roll-on, roll off vessels as well as chartered commercial ships. "This is truly an achievement of all the military and commercial partners in this venture," said Gen. Norton A. Schwartz, USTRANSCOM commander. “These lifesaving vehicles are proving their value every day in protecting our warfighters and keeping them safe while in harm's way." ###