RICHMOND, Va. –
More than 30 Virginia National Guard Soldiers from the Gate City-based Headquarters Detachment, 1030th Transportation Battalion, 329th Regional Support Group traveled to Camp Humphreys, Korea, to participate in Ulchi Freedom Shield 23 Aug. 18- 30, 2023.
During the exercise, Soldiers from HHD 1030th provided command and control to notional subordinate transportation companies to provide area sustainment support to maneuver elements. The 1030th used both analog and digital mediums for refining running estimates, tracking ongoing missions, and developing and maintaining the Common Operating Picture.
The Soldiers created routes, movement orders and initiated many movements in the digital space throughout the exercise. This exercise also allowed HHD 1030th Soldiers to interact with active-duty Soldiers, as well as U.S. Navy and Air Force personnel, members of the Republic of Korea Army, and a variety of civilian instructors.
In addition to the exercise, the Soldiers from the 1030th experienced the Korean culture through a staff ride to Seoul, South Korea.
According to U.S. Forces Korea, Ulchi Freedom Shield 23 is a joint, combined, and interagency exercise is designed to strengthen the combined defense posture and alliance response capabilities. The rigorous training will ensure the alliance is ready to defend the Republic of Korea and promote security and stability in Northeast Asia. The live, virtual and constructive exercise included ROK government personnel, as well as U.S. and ROK military forces from all services.
“The 1030th Transportation Battalion’s participation in Ulchi Freedom Shield in Korea presented a unique opportunity for our sustainment warriors to visit the Korean peninsula and appreciate the terrain in a way that virtual training simply doesn’t provide,” said Brig. Gen. K. Weedon Gallagher, VNG Assistant Adjutant General - Army.
“Soldiers and leaders of the 1030th performed tasks and missions typically associated with a Sustainment Brigade and a Sustainment Command, which challenged them to stretch their capability and really opened their aperture to appreciate the value and role of higher sustainment headquarters.
“They hit it out of the park and have been invited to next year’s exercise as a result,” he added.
Training exercises like UFS 23 are carried out in the spirit of the Oct. 1, 1953, ROK-U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty and in support of the armistice, according to U.S. Forces Korea. These exercises also highlight the longstanding military partnership, commitment and enduring friendship between ROK and U.S.; help to solidify the role of the alliance as the linchpin of peace and security in the region; and reaffirm the U.S. ironclad commitment to the defense of the ROK.