Sep 28, 2012

In September, a handful of engineers and transportation experts assigned to Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command here - from the command's Transportation Engineering Agency - briefly set aside their work for another issue that's also important to the DoD and the nation ... education, specifically in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, for short.

Sep 27, 2012

Sept. 15, thru Oct. 15, is Hispanic Heritage Month and a time set aside to recognize the contributions of Hispanic Americans to American Society and Culture. Several Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command Hispanic American Soldiers and civilians shared nuggets of information about their heritage that we may not have known otherwise.

Sep 14, 2012

It's been more than three years since Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command launched the Department of Defense's re-engineered household goods moving program -- the Defense Personal Property Program.

Aug 30, 2012

The Trident pier is maintained by the 331st Transport Company, "Causeway or No Way", 11th Transportation Battalion, 7th Sustainment Brigade. The Roll-On/Roll-Off Discharge Facility pier conducts missions that are respected as the most dangerous in the watercraft field. It takes every ounce of muscle and sweat from the approximately 100 Soldiers assigned to the company to assemble the 1,200-foot pier. The highly anticipated Joint Logistics-Over-the-Shore exercise held this summer at Fort Story, Va. showcased the Trident pier and the strength of the troops involved

Aug 30, 2012

According to the U.S. Army antiterrorism regulation, AR 525-13, [Antiterrorism] training will be afforded the same emphasis as combat task training and executed with the intent to identify shortfalls affecting the protection of personnel and assets against terrorist attack. In other words, "Point Defender."

Aug 30, 2012

MARTINSVILLE, Va. -- Surrounded by community leaders, mentors, family and friends Gen. Dennis L. Via, Commander, U.S. Army Materiel Command accepted the proclamations in his honor from the City of Martinsville and Henry County, Va., on Aug. 28.

Aug 27, 2012

With budgetary uncertainty looming over the horizon, the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command's Quality Assurance Branch, part of the Strategic Business Directorate, is focusing efforts now to advance their processes and gain efficiencies.

Aug 27, 2012

Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command's Special Requirements Branch is a one-stop shop for finding the right rate and transportation mode for Department of Defense shippers who need to move specialized and large volume cargo domestically.

Aug 26, 2012

TRANSWARRIOR is a pilot program of the 1394th TB and the DSC, of Birmingham, Ala., the command headquarters of the 1394th TB. Col. Ronald Lane, Commander, 1394th TB, and his staff saw a need in 2011 to develop a mission that would train their Soldiers in the critical facets of their military occupational specialties (MOS), mainly the 88 and 90 series. In coordinating the overall function of a command, the DSC developed several scenarios to train brigade and battalion staffs interacting with themselves and an ad hoc DSC staff developed for this exercise.

Aug 17, 2012

For Col. Ines White, joining the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command headquarters staff is the culmination of a 24-year U.S. Army career sharply focused on military transportation.

Jul 30, 2012

Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command introduced continuous process improvement using the Lean Six Sigma methodology to command members in 2006. Since then, SDDC has realized cost avoidances of more than $25 million from LSS projects.

Jul 11, 2012

The Honorable Alan F. Estevez, U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense (Logistics and Materiel Readiness), and U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Brooks L. Bash, Director for Logistics, Joint Staff, visited Military Ocean Terminal Concord, Calif., Monday for a close look at the West Coast's primary military ammunition port.

Jun 25, 2012

Fire and Emergency Services at Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point, N.C., assigned to the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command's 596th Transportation Brigade, hosted their first Shipboard Firefighting class June 4-8.

Jun 19, 2012

The Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command's 596th Transportation Brigade at Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point, Southport, N.C., received two new massive ship-to-shore container gantry cranes, June 19, 2012, after more than 10 years of planning and $27.5 million.

Jun 5, 2012

After months of planning, coordinating, editing, writing and designing, the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command Public Affairs office recently published the 2012 SDDC Almanac.

May 29, 2012

Army transporters from three continents converged on Wheeler Army Air Field May 21-23 as the 599th Transportation Brigade hosted the 2012 Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command Best Warrior Challenge.

May 9, 2012

Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command's Defense Transportation Tracking System office, or DTTS, hosted their second Rehearsal of Concept drill and table-top exercise May 2 with various stakeholders sharing their roles, responsibilities and notification procedures for emergency response to incidents or accidents involving Arms, Ammunition and Explosives.

Apr 27, 2012

In accordance with the Department of Defense and the Department of the Army, the 598th Transportation Brigade Headquarters and 838th Transportation Battalion Headquarters, both elements of the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, will relocate from Rotterdam, The Netherlands, to the Kaiserslautern Military Community in Germany this spring to improve strategic deployment and distribution support to U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command, which are headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany.

Apr 25, 2012

The 834th Transportation Battalion at Military Ocean Terminal Concord, Calif., joined forces with 12 local and federal emergency agencies April 16-19 to tackle a series of antiterrorism, force protection and emergency response scenarios presented during the 2012 Coyote Shield exercise conducted by the U.S. Army's Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command.

Apr 17, 2012

In honor of the Army's 237th birthday, Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command and U.S. Transportation Command will host the 2012 Mid-America Army Birthday Ball at the St. Louis Hyatt Regency at the Arch hotel on Saturday, June 16.

Mar 27, 2012

The last mine resistant, ambush protected vehicle to depart Iraq during Operation New Dawn was loaded aboard the Ocean Crescent, March 24, 2012, at Port of Ash Shuaiba, Kuwait, for transport to the 1st Cavalry Division Museum at Fort Hood, Texas.

Mar 27, 2012

Maj. Gen. Thomas J. Richardson became the 18th commanding general of the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command March 27 during a change of command ceremony here.

Mar 26, 2012

Traveling from the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command headquarters building to the base hospital or the Base Exchange, Sgt. Charles "Chas" Shaffer said he sometimes gets a few unusual stares. Occasionally, he said, someone will stop him to let him know he's not allowed to ride his Segway on base.

Mar 14, 2012

Each year, about 225,000 Department of Defense and U.S. Coast Guard household good shipments are slated for movement during the summer months. These shipments compete with private sector moves creating a phenomenon in the transportation industry called the "peak moving season."

Mar 8, 2012

The Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command honored 15 government shippers here today for outstanding performance with the Defense Transportation System throughout 2011.

Mar 2, 2012

Col. Susan A. Davidson, deputy commander for Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, pinned on the rank of brigadier general today during a ceremony at Fort Belvoir, Va., making her deputy commanding general of SDDC.

Mar 2, 2012

In January, the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command sergeant major celebrated the two-year anniversary of his assignment here. And in less than two weeks, during a change of responsibility ceremony March 9, Command Sgt. Maj. James E. Riddick will hand that responsibility over to a new senior enlisted leader, Command Sgt. Maj. Cedric J. Thomas.

Jan 17, 2012

Many military operations centers tout themselves as the "nerve center" or the "heartbeat" of their organization. The deputy chief of Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command's Command Operations Branch described SDDC's operations center as an hourglass.

Jan 6, 2012

At Barbers Point Kalaeloa Harbor, Hawaii, in December, the 599th Transportation Brigade loaded the 25th Infantry Division Combat Aviation Brigade's cargo and equipment onto the M/V Green Lake for deployment to Afghanistan.

Oct 28, 2011

Three Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command units were named winners of the command's 2011 Chief of Staff Supply Excellence Awards during the SDDC Commanders' and Command Sergeants' Major Fall conference today at Scott AFB.

Oct 26, 2011

Approximately 220 military and civilian transportation managers and 120 commercial carrier representatives from around the world attended Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command's Traffic Management Workshop Oct. 17-20 at the Millennium Hotel, just a few blocks from Busch Stadium, home of the St. Louis Cardinal's baseball team.

Sep 30, 2011

Corpus Christie native and young father of two is preparing for an Army competition to claim the title of "Best Warrior" Oct. 2-7, 2011, at Fort Lee, Va.

Sep 16, 2011

Eight traffic managers were recognized Wednesday by Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command for outstanding service in traffic management.

Sep 9, 2011

Members of the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command assembled early Sept. 9 to remember and honor the thousands of Americans who lost their lives 10 years ago during the terrorist attacks with a 9/11 Remembrance Fitness Run/Walk.

Aug 12, 2011

In July 2010, the Department of the Army created a program aimed at accounting for all U.S. Army-owned equipment. According to SDDC supply experts, the program has received considerable attention within this command.

Aug 1, 2011

In an effort to reduce spending and take advantage of new, Internet-based capabilities,, the official Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command magazine, Translog, has transitioned to an online-only publication effective Aug. 1.

Jul 22, 2011

Nearly 300 Reserve Soldiers from units all over the country, including the territory of Puerto Rico, gathered there and at Cape Canaveral to participate in Operation TransLOTS 2011, an annual training mission preparing them for the duties they will perform when mobilized and deployed.

Jul 21, 2011

Video about all the 1188th DDSB accomplishments this past year as they bid farewell to Port Shuaiba, Kuwait. Soundbites include: Lt. Col. John Pistone, commander, 1188th DDSB; and Sgt. Corey Jackson of the 1173rd DDSB.

Jul 20, 2011

Following five days of intense competition at Rock Island Arsenal, Ill. July 11-15, a Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command Soldier was named Army Materiel Command’s NCO of the Year.

Jul 20, 2011

The men and women of the 843th Transportation Battalion at Military Ocean Terminal Concord, Calif., were highly inconvenienced this week from their normal port operations, but with good reason. The battalion spent July 18 " 22 applying acquired training and skills to a series of antiterrorism, force protection and emergency response scenarios under the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command’s Coyote Shield 2011 exercise.

Jul 15, 2011

The Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command’s Information Technology Directorate was named a winner of the Army Knowledge Management Award for outstanding technology-based capabilities supporting the command’s knowledge management program.

Jun 27, 2011

The Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command Global Surface Distribution Management Team this month successfully completed the first two Expeditionary Communications courses at Rock Island Arsenal in Rock Island, Ill.

Jun 22, 2011

Maj. Armando Kuppinger, commander of the 690th Rapid Port Opening Element, Fort Eustis, Va., was recently awarded the 2011 American Legion Missouri Boys State Alumnus of the Year award.

Jun 20, 2011

Members of Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command’s 596th Transportation Brigade at Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point partnered with North Carolina National Guard, U.S. Coast Guard, and multiple federal, state and local emergency response agencies during a weeklong exercise responding to a series of force protection scenarios as part of Point Defender 2011 exercise, June 13-17, in Sunny Point, N.C.

Jun 13, 2011

The Surface Deployment and Distribution Command’s Personal Property Directorate has compiled a list of moving tips for you to use in preparing for a Permanent Change of Station or move. These tips are even more relevant during this busy peak season.

Jun 13, 2011

The Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command's Personal Property Directorate, responsible for the DOD’s household goods moving program, wants servicemembers to know a successful move during this peak time is certainly possible with proper planning.

Jun 7, 2011

The 2011 SDDC Best Warrior competition, hosted by the 597th Transportation Brigade, was held at Joint Base Langley-Eustis and Fort A.P. Hill, Va., from May 23-27, where the week’s temperatures could only be described as unpleasantly hot.

May 31, 2011

Sgt. Douglas McBroom was named the 2011 Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command NCO of the Year and Private 1st Class Francisco Espino captured SDDC Soldier of the Year honors during a ceremony May 27 at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va. Both Soldiers are assigned to the 597th Transportation Brigade at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va.

May 19, 2011

Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command members were recognized by the Greater Saint Louis Federal Executive Board with one team and four individual awards during an honorary breakfast May 5. SDDC award winners are the Defense Transportation Tracking System team; Vonda Lewis, of the Strategy, Plans, Policy and Programs division; and Dave Longhorn, Bryan Douglass and John Wicinski of Transportation Engineering Agency.

May 12, 2011

Betty Hart was hired as the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command's Health and Wellness coordinator about a month ago as part of a Department of Defense-wide initiative geared toward the mental and physical well-being of federal civilian employees.

May 5, 2011

The U.S. Army Contracting Command has selected 24 individuals and six teams as recipients of this year's Army Contracting Command annual contracting awards. Jeffrey P. Parsons, ACC executive director, will present the awards at a formal ceremony May 17, in Huntsville, Ala.

Apr 26, 2011

The men and women of 834th Transportation Battalion, Military Ocean Terminal Concord, Calif., spent several days recently unloading and loading more than 550 large, 20-foot-by-10-foot containers to and from a Military Sealift Command vessel, the "TSgt. John A. Chapman."

Apr 21, 2011

Apr 21, 2011

Air Force Lt. Col. Derek Oliver and Vernita Anderson-Manning are the first recipients of the Eagle Award - a new Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command award created to highlight excellence within the command and "challenge the status quo." Oliver is the deputy chief of staff for Personal Property, and Anderson-Manning is a lead traffic management specialist with SDDC's Strategic Business directorate.

Apr 6, 2011

The Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command honored 16 Government shippers during the SDDC 2011 Training Symposium in Dallas, Texas, for outstanding performance with the Defense Transportation System throughout 2010.

Apr 6, 2011

The Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., hosted its biannual Commanders' and Command Sergeants' Major Conference April 2 and 3 in Dallas, Texas.

Mar 30, 2011

The Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command's 599th Transportation Brigade, along with Soldiers and Sailors from the United States and the Republic of Korea army and navy, activated the Combined Seaport Coordination Center at Pier 8 in Busan, South Korea, supporting Exercise Key Resolve 2011, Feb. 28 to March 10.

Mar 28, 2011

Friends, family, fellow Soldiers and firefighters came together Mar. 24 at the Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point, N.C., during a special ceremony honoring one of their own, Sgt. 1st Class Edward Kramer, a North Carolina National Guard Soldier who was killed while serving in Iraq during 2009.

Mar 11, 2011

The Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command announced this week the winners of the Major General Henry R. Del Mar Junior Officer of the Year and Civilian Outstanding Performer of the Year awards for 2010.

Feb 28, 2011

Three Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command members were honored by Saint Louis University's Billiken Basketball Team for their military service during a home game Feb. 26 at the Chaifetz Arena.

Feb 28, 2011

Feb 28, 2011

The 599th Transportation Brigade's 837th Transportation Battalion, stationed in Busan, Republic of Korea, executed its largest retrograde ammunition operation to date from Oct. 25 to Nov. 4 in Chinhae, ROK.

Feb 14, 2011

The 597th Transportation Brigade's 837th Transportation Battalion, stationed in Busan, Republic of Korea, executed its largest retrograde ammunition operation to date from Oct. 25 to Nov. 4 in Chinhae, ROK.

Feb 14, 2011

The Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command's 598th Transportation Brigade headquartered in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, drew upon the Universal Services Contract to offer-up a cost-savings plan to the Dutch Ministry of Defense for a surface movement requirement they currently have.

Jan 31, 2011

Dec 28, 2010

Military and civilian employees of the Army's Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command drew upon angels to brighten up the holiday season for 12 elementary school children.

Nov 22, 2010

Nov 22, 2010

Nov 3, 2010

The Fall 2010 issue of Translog, the official magazine of Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command.

Nov 2, 2010

Members of the 835th Transportation Battalion use a new booking process for the first time in the Pacific saving time and money as they supported Amphibious Landing Exercise 2011.

Nov 1, 2010

General George W. Casey, Jr., chief of staff of the Army, who traveled with Army Secretary John M. McHugh, visited the Fort Bragg community, making the post the center of the Army for a few hours on Friday.

Oct 27, 2010

Brig. Gen. William T. Wolf and Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Eyer, U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center commanding general and command sergeant major, stress safety for the Veterans Day holiday.

Oct 20, 2010

A disaster relief scenario based on SDDC's experience in Haiti gave the 836th Transportation Battalion an opportunity to practice delivering cargo for the Pacific Reach 2010 exercise in Japan.

Oct 18, 2010

Oct 14, 2010

Deployment and Distribution Support Teams from SDDC's 950th Transportation Company in Bremerhaven, Germany, played a vital role in orchestrating the receipt and discharge of Stryker vehicles at the Vecmilgravis Terminal in Riga, Latvia.

Oct 14, 2010

Retired Lt. Col. Doug Adams had just finished a run and was staring at a snow-capped Mount Rainier one sunny day last year at Fort Lewis, Wash., when the ambitious vision came to him: Launch a national campaign to draw people's attention to service members and veterans by cycling cross country for a year.

Oct 13, 2010

In Afghanistan, fewer fuel convoys in theater can mean saving the lives of Soldiers, said Katherine Hammack, the new assistant secretary of the Army for installations, energy and environment.

Oct 7, 2010

The last Stryker Brigade Combat Team to leave Iraq has arrived home at Port Canaveral, Fla. In an unusual mission for SDDC's Cape Canaveral Detachment, part of 832nd Transportation Battalion, more than 300 vehicles were moved through a port best known for cruises and space shuttle missions.

Oct 4, 2010

FORT EUSTIS, Va (Sept. 13, 2010) - Soldiers from the 97th Transportation Company, 10th Transportation Battalion, 7th Sustainment Brigade, participated in the Pacific Reach 2010 exercise Aug. 22 through Sept. 8 in Japan. The 21 'Waterborne' Soldiers began their mission at Yokohama North Dock where they assisted with an inventory of Army Materiel Command vessels. They ensured the watercraft were well-stocked and conducted inspections of the vessels to identify maintenance issues. After tending to some minor repairs, the boats were ready to get under way, explained 2nd Lt. Scott Lechner, 97th Trans. Co. platoon leader and the mission officer in charge for Pacific Reach.

Oct 4, 2010

The value of government contracting specialists extends well beyond their expertise in developing contracts that are fair to both the government and the supplier. They are also the watchdogs for contracts in place and are entrusted with ensuring the performance of the contract is ethical and legal. Each year, government contracting specialists, Soldiers and civilians identify unlawful practices that save the government millions of dollars.

Oct 4, 2010

Sep 21, 2010

Anyone who has ever moved knows how household items can disappear in the whirlwind of packing and unpacking boxes. Not to mention the chaos that can cause packed things to be misplaced, only to be rediscovered months later. Comparing the hassle of a personal move to the drawdown of equipment from Iraq highlights the size of the task facing the Army. Of course, the drawdown involves walk-in metal containers and tanks instead of cardboard boxes and the family car.

Sep 19, 2010

Pilferage and a lack of coastal waterways are two of the problems faced by Army logistics in Afghanistan. In Afghanistan, operations continue to be challenged by the fact the country is landlocked.

Sep 17, 2010

FORT LEE, Va. (Sept. 17, 2010) - When the Transportation School conducts its first classes here next month, it will not only mark the beginning of a new era of training at Fort Lee but also represents one of the final steps of an ambitious plan to converge the Army's sustainment support community under a single "center of excellence."

Sep 16, 2010

The White House announced Sept. 10 that Staff Sgt. Salvatore Giunta of Company B, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, will be awarded the Medal of Honor. President Barack Obama called the Vicenza, Italy, based paratrooper to congratulate him personally on the exceptional award, to be bestowed in recognition of acts of gallantry beyond the call of duty. When enemy forces in Afghanistan's Korengal Valley ambushed then-Spc. Giunta's platoon on the evening of Oct. 25, 2007, the infantry team leader braved heavy enemy fire to rescue fellow paratroopers. The Hiawatha, Iowa-native is the first living service member to earn the award since Vietnam. The medal will be presented in a ceremony at a date and time still to be determined.

Sep 16, 2010

Six months of underwater scuba training culminated in diver certification for five Soldiers from Charlie Company, Warrior Transition Battalion-Europe at a ceremony held here on Ledward Barracks.

Sep 13, 2010

Hammer of the Broads, an all-female tribute band to Led Zeppelin, performed at COB Speicher Sept. 8.

Sep 10, 2010

The Combined Arms Support Command, Sustainment Center of Excellence, held a change of command ceremony at Fort Lee, Va. Maj. Gen. James L. Hodge took command from Brig. Gen. Jesse R. Cross.

Sep 2, 2010

ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Ill. -- The U.S. Army Materiel Command's Small Arms Readiness Teams, or SARET, hit a major milestone in early July - they have now inspected and repaired one million items since 2004.

Aug 31, 2010

The rehearsal of concept drill took place Aug. 24-26 at the Radisson Quad City Plaza, Davenport, Iowa. The Army Materiel Command will take over operational control of all DOL functions located in the United States on Oct. 1. The Army Sustainment Command through its Army Field Support Brigades will manage the DOLs. Resource and personnel transfer of DOLs worldwide is scheduled for Oct. 1, 2011.

Aug 30, 2010

Aug 30, 2010

Barack Obama called on the American people to provide new care, opportunity and commitment to the million military men and women who've served in Iraq.

Aug 26, 2010

Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command has a new commanding general. Photos from the unique change of command (colors were passed to both Army and Air Force four-star generals) are available on <a href="http://bit.ly/aK0ZFS" target="_blank"> SDDC's Flickr page</a> SDDC is a unique Army command with the global mission to provide deployment and distribution services in support of the Department of Defense. Those services reach beyond seaports, to the hazardous roads into Afghanistan, the railroads of Iraq, the airport in Port-au-Prince, and anywhere American combat boots touch the ground.

Aug 26, 2010

Quote by Maj. Gen. Kevin A. Leonard

Aug 16, 2010

The Army Logistics Around the World display is located in the Pentagon and hosted by the Office of the Chief of Staff of the Army, G4. This video is the compilation of all the videos and photos currently being shown in the display. Check back after September to see what's new. To submit video or photos for the display, email Devon Hylander.

Aug 15, 2010

The Iraqi Security Forces recently took their next step toward self-reliance with the delivery of eleven M1 Abrams main battle tanks at the port of Umm Qasr.

Aug 14, 2010

In accordance with a sales agreement between the U.S. and Iraqi governments, contractors deliver 11 M1A1 Abrams tanks to the Iraqi Army Aug. 12 at Forward Operating Base Hammer, Iraq. This transport is the first of 140 M1A1 tanks to reach the Iraqi Army.

Aug 13, 2010

For much of the war, the complex logistical process of supplying the warfighters in theater has been behind the scenes.

Aug 10, 2010

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates is putting meat on the bones of his initiative to reform the way the Pentagon does business and to eliminate duplicative, unnecessary overhead costs.

Aug 9, 2010

Iraqi security forces are on track to assume full operations and prepared to deal with spates of violence by extremists intent on derailing Iraqi progress.