233rd Transportation Company cases colors
July 13, 2011
FORT KNOX, Ky. (July 13, 2011) " Fort Knox’s 233rd Transportation Company cased its colors during a ceremony on July 13 in preparation for deployment to Kuwait in support of Operation New Dawn.
The deployment will be the sixth since 2003 for the 233rd Trans. Co. and have all taken place without a single casualty.
Realigned to become a subordinate unit of the 3d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) in 2009, the 233rd Trans. Co. will conduct stability and support operations while deployed.
Speaking at the ceremony was Col. Richard Parker, the 3d ESC’s operations officer, who thanked the Soldiers and Families of the 233rd Trans. Co. for their sacrifices and professionalism.
“The men and women of the 233rd have done many things. They’ve fought valiantly, they’ve supported their combat arms brethren, they served with honor and distinction but most importantly they’ve stood tall for freedom and been guardians of our Nation,” said Col. Parker. “Today 233rd, you embark on another historic mission.”
In the past year, Soldiers of the 233rd Trans. Co. have participated in numerous training exercises geared to prepare them for their upcoming deployment. Capt. Johnathan Neal, the 233rd’s commander, said that the unit’s accomplishments over the years are a testament to its noncommissioned officers, Soldiers and Family members.
Capt. Neal said that the 233rd Trans. Co. is one of only three heavy equipment transporter companies in the U.S. Army, which explains its high operations tempo.
“Without the support we received from our noncommissioned officers and Families, our Soldiers would not be able to sustain the operations tempo in which they have,” said Capt. Neal.
The 233rd Trans. Co. is comprised of four line platoons, totaling 243 Soldiers. These Soldiers are located at Fort Benning, Fort Stewart and Fort Knox, and will join together in Kuwait to form the entire 233rd Trans. Co.
The unit was activated on May 25, 1966 at Fort Eustis, Va. and has participated in combat campaigns during World War II, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Since 2003, the 233rd Trans. Co. has received five Meritorious Unit Citations and its Soldiers have covered 8,450,000 miles and delivered 247,036 tons of equipment.
Photos and story by Sgt. Michael Behlin, 3d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) public affairs.
For queries, contact 3d Sustainment Command Public Affairs at: (502) 624-8601.
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