The U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) last month announced a milestone in which SIU crews have played a key part. Namely, as of April 5, more than 5,000 mine-resistant, ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles have been delivered to American troops in harm’s way.Many of the MRAPs have been delivered by SIU-crewed ships.
“This is truly an achievement of all the military and commercial partners in this venture,” said Gen. Norton Schwartz, commander of TRANSCOM. “These lifesaving vehicles are proving their value every day in protecting our warfighters and keeping them safe.”
In announcing the milestone, TRANSCOM reported, “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.”
The agency further noted, “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.”
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