18th CSSB, TLSC-E showcase mutual training

Forklifts, pallets, rounds and 24-hour operations might not sound like fun to some, but for the Soldiers and civilians participating in exercise ACE-Hammer I, it was exciting  and training at its best. 

The exercise, which provided a unique training opportunity while providing necessary support to the Ammunition Center Europe, was the combined effort of the 18th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion and the Theater Logistics Support Center-Europe. ACE-Hammer I took place at the Miesau Ammunition Depot in November and increased the Soldiers’ proficiency and re-validated their abilities to accomplish their war-time missions, said Sgt. Christopher Duncan, an ammunition handler from the 23rd Ordnance Company. In addition, Soldiers did more than just ammunition handling.  The 1st Inland Cargo Transfer Company moved cargo and assisted in the inspection of critical containers. 

“This was the best training and most ‘stick’ time operating my Kalmar (container handler) that I’ve been able to do in the last two and a half years,” said Pfc. Scott Hamm, a container handler specialist with the 1st ICTC.

More than 90 18th CSSB Soldiers participated in the exercise with more than 50 employees from the Ammunition Center Europe.

The combined efforts resulted in the movement of more than 600 containers and 318 pallets of ammunition. The exercise also saved the government thousands of dollars, increased productivity and provided the unit with realistic training, said Hans-Jürgen Becker, deputy director of the ACE.

Exercise ACE-Hammer II and III are planned for the second and third quarter of this year. When asked about the opportunity to participate in another training event with the ACE, Spc. Anna Valencia, an ammunition handler with the 23rd Ord. Co., said next time her unit’s goal is to handle more than 750 containers and 450 pallets or 250,000 pounds of ammunition. Such positive and energetic attitudes as demonstrated by the Soldiers and civilians of the 18th CSSB and the ACE helps to set a sturdy foundation for mutually beneficial and cost effective future ACE-Hammer missions.