DVIDS – News – US military equipment arrives with economic opportunities in Greece

The 21st Theater Sustainment Command received more than 2,400 armored vehicles and equipment into the European theater during simultaneous port operations in Alexandroupoli and Thessaloniki, Greece, and Gdynia, Poland, to support a rotational deployment Atlantic Resolve in November. Even as the 21st TSC prepared equipment for rapid movement across the European continent, Area Support Group Balkans, the 21st TSC, the 409th Contract Support Brigade and the U.S. Consulate General in Thessaloniki associated with the Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce and Industry to welcome Greek companies. ‘ support for U.S. military missions and ensure they have access to associated economic opportunities.

More than 100 area vendors attended the Thessaloniki Vendor Awareness Expo on Nov. 28 to learn more about the U.S. Army procurement process. Maj. Luis Palma, presenter at the fair, and chief of the Balkan Regional Procurement Office, 409th CSB, said the workshop was intended to give local businesses a path into U.S. procurement systems.

“The Greek population benefits directly, as each company eligible to participate in U.S. military contracting actions will provide the Greek population with a stable and reliable source of income as our position grows or is maintained in support of Atlantic Resolve.” , Palma said.

Data compiled by the 266th Financial Support Center indicates that the United States has awarded $2 billion to Greek suppliers since the first Atlantic Resolve rotation in 2014, and economic opportunities are expected to increase.

Isaac Hansen-Joseph, economic officer at the U.S. Consulate General in Thessaloniki, said the workshop reflects the importance the U.S. government places on the growth and success of the region’s economy. “A stronger economy in northern Greece is good for Greece, it’s good for Europe and it’s good for the transatlantic community,” Hansen-Joseph said. “Working together for economic prosperity is part of our shared history, founded on shared ideals, including a commitment to democracy and free enterprise. »

Hellenic Army Colonel Vasilios Yaglis said previous workshops had benefited local communities and the military operations they hosted. “We’ve been doing this in Alexandroupoli for years now,” Yaglis said. “This meeting was useful for (Thessaloniki businesses) because they received all the guidance they need to register and review the platforms used by the US government. It is always a good thing to involve local businesses in the military operation. We have the approval of the community because they gain something from it. It’s a win-win situation.

ASG Balkans Commander Col. Matthew DiNenna said the planned increased transit of U.S. Armed Forces equipment and personnel through Greece means more business opportunities for the local economy. Creating a robust list of local suppliers helps the U.S. military provide higher quality products and services at lower costs.

He used logistical support areas, where soldiers live during temporary missions, as an example. While the Hellenic Army has always made space available to U.S. troops when needed, historically the U.S. Army would set up tents for 30 to 40 days, only to take them down and contract for they came back months later.
To improve temporary living facilities and cost effectiveness, ASG Balkans and the 409th CSB are seeking to establish these types of contracts for a much longer duration. DiNenna said the vendor show was the latest step in that direction.

“With the Soldiers rotating out there every two months, let’s build more permanent structures and improve the quality of life (for the Soldiers),” DiNenna said. “Instead of setting up a tent for 40 days, we are looking at prefabricated modular-type structures. For what they charge to set up tents for soldiers to sleep in cots, I can probably get a better product at a reduced cost and improve the quality of life. My end goal is to get the soldiers out of the cots. »
DiNenna added that they are also working on plans for morale, welfare and recreational facilities in the LSAs which are regularly installed near the ports of Thessaloniki and Alexandroupoli as troops from the 16th Sustainment Brigade potential and incoming units conduct reception, preparation, and onward movement activities to support the deployment of combat-ready and credible U.S. forces in Europe.

“The continued increase in the U.S. and NATO presence in Alexandroupoli has had positive impacts on the community, strengthening the economy and creating jobs,” said Corps Detachment Director Andre Cameron. transport for the Eastern Mediterranean and Greece, military surface deployment and distribution command. “U.S. military operations have supported the city’s continued growth into a critical strategic node for transportation and military logistics. »

While simultaneous port operations in Thessaloniki and Alexandroupoli in November demonstrated a high level of interoperability between the United States and Greece, the Seller Awareness Fair in Thessaloniki signified a commitment to continue strengthening relationships across military, diplomatic and economic joint ventures, according to show coordinators. .