The U.S. military once again demonstrated its unmatched logistical power in a vital humanitarian mission. Recently, soldiers from the 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary) returned to their home base at Fort Eustis, Virginia, after completing a critical mission to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. This operation is known as the Joint Logistics Over the Shore (JLOTS) mission. It played a pivotal role in bringing much-needed assistance to those in need.
The soldiers of this brigade were tasked with building and operating an at-sea pier that enabled massive shipments of aid to flow into Gaza. Their mission began in July and was successful in delivering nearly 20 million pounds of aid. The efforts of the U.S. military, along with partners like the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). It created an additional pathway to ensure humanitarian supplies reached the people of Gaza.
The Mission That Saved Lives
The JLOTS mission wasn’t just another task—it was an essential operation that helped bring critical aid to Gaza’s struggling population. The 7th Transportation Brigade was responsible for setting up and managing an at-sea pier. A temporary structure that allows ships to transfer goods without needing a full port facility.
This logistics mission made it possible to deliver huge amounts of food, medicine, and other supplies that were desperately needed. Almost 20 million pounds of aid were transported through this method. This operation opened up another vital route for the delivery of aid. By ensuring that those suffering in Gaza had access to essential resources.
Logistics: The Backbone of the Mission
The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff visited the brigade to personally commend the soldiers for their hard work. He emphasized how important logistics are—not just for humanitarian efforts, but also for keeping the U.S. military prepared for combat. Logistics, the chairman noted, is key to being able to respond quickly and effectively, whether in times of war or when delivering emergency aid.
“You not only executed the mission but also improved your skills,” the chairman told the soldiers. This speaks to how every mission the military undertakes helps sharpen the abilities of the military personnel are involved. By keeping them prepared for any challenge, whether on the battlefield or during a humanitarian crisis.
The Military’s Global Impact
One of the key takeaways from the chairman’s visit was the impact that the U.S. military has around the world. He explained that other countries look to the U.S. as a model. “I have the opportunity to go all around the world and engage my counterparts, and I will tell you they want to be like us,” he said. “Day-in and day-out, that’s the feedback I get. They want to know how the United States military, how we do what we do.”
The U.S. military is not just the most combat-capable force in the world—it is also the most respected. Countries across the globe recognize the importance of the U.S. military’s ability to move large amounts of supplies and personnel in times of crisis. Whether it’s delivering aid to disaster-struck areas or deploying troops to support allies, the U.S. military is seen as the gold standard.
A Visit to Fort Eustis
The chairman’s visit to Fort Eustis wasn’t just a routine check-in. It was a chance to thank the soldiers who played a key role in the successful mission to Gaza. He spent time with the soldiers at the pier, where they demonstrated the logistics equipment and systems used in the mission.
At the pier, he praised the brigade’s adaptability. “You faced tough challenges, but you overcame them,” he said, reflecting on how the soldiers dealt with the difficult environment of the Mediterranean while maintaining focus on their mission.
The chairman reminded the soldiers that the logistics skills they used for the humanitarian mission would also be key in combat situations. “This logistics capability is foundational to our warfighting,” he said, highlighting how crucial these skills are for keeping the U.S. military ready to defend the nation and its allies at a moment’s notice.
Continuing the Mission in Europe
The chairman’s visit to Fort Eustis was part of a larger series of engagements with military personnel across the country. After his stop in Virginia, he traveled to Fort Stewart, Georgia, to meet with soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Division.
This unit had recently wrapped up a significant mission in Europe, where they helped improve cooperation with NATO forces. The soldiers led military exercises and community engagements across Poland and the Baltic States. Their mission, which started in September 2023, focused on strengthening NATO’s battle groups and making sure that all the forces involved could work together effectively.
The chairman met with the unit’s leaders to discuss how their efforts fit into the larger picture of the U.S. military’s global commitments. He also observed demonstrations of new technologies and systems designed to fill gaps in the military’s capabilities. These innovations, developed by soldiers in the 3rd Infantry Division’s Marne Innovation Center, are helping the military stay ahead of potential threats.
Preparing for the Future with Cutting-Edge Technology
The chairman’s visit didn’t just focus on current missions. He also paid a visit to the Pre-Commissioning Unit John F. Kennedy, a Navy unit responsible for bringing the Navy’s latest aircraft carrier into service. This new ship, the second Ford-class aircraft carrier, is under construction at Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Newport News Shipyard in Virginia.
Aircraft carriers are a key part of the U.S. Navy’s ability to project power across the globe. Once completed, the John F. Kennedy will enhance the Navy’s ability to support operations anywhere in the world, from humanitarian missions to combat engagements. The chairman’s visit to this site highlighted the importance of continuing to invest in the technologies and capabilities that keep the U.S. military at the forefront.
A Personal Dedication to Excellence
Throughout his visits, the chairman expressed his unwavering commitment to making sure the U.S. military stays the most powerful and respected fighting force in the world. He reminded soldiers that maintaining this position means never settling for second place. “Personally and professionally, I do not play for second place,” he said. “I do not play to lose; I play to win.”
The chairman’s message was clear: the U.S. military must continue to excel at everything it does, from delivering humanitarian aid to building the most advanced aircraft carriers. Every day, the military’s adversaries are watching, and the goal is to be so prepared and so capable that they think twice before challenging the U.S.
The Mission Continues
As the chairman wrapped up his visits, he made one thing clear: the mission is never over. Whether it’s delivering aid to people in need or standing ready to defend the nation, the U.S. military must always be at its best. This means constantly improving, innovating, and staying ahead of the curve.
For the soldiers at Fort Eustis, the 3rd Infantry Division, and the sailors of the John F. Kennedy, the work they do every day is essential to keeping the U.S. military strong. And as the chairman travels from base to base, his message remains the same: the U.S. military is the most respected, most capable force in the world—and it will stay that way.
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