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The
836th TB also manned the Gamer Cell to control all vessels and port
operations for the exercise. They informed the Player Cell when the
vessels arrived in port, what equipment was discharged, and when the
vessels departed. The 836th TB Operations Officer, Capt. David J. Preston,
also used his experience from the 7th Transportation Group to control
the Army Watercraft Units and operations for the exercise. The Army
Watercraft Units were used to deliver vital supplies throughout the
exercise area, enabling the warfighters to keep fighting. He also served
as the U.S. Army Japan (USARJ) shift Officer in Charge (OIC) in the
Gamer Cell. As shift OIC, he was responsible for the execution of all
echelons-above-corps support for the exercise.
This was the first year that the battalion assisted in the Gamer Cell for YAMA SAKURA. The decision was made to make the vessel play realistic and effective, because the personnel control-ling the vessel play must have a requisite knowledge in vessel and port operations. By improving the vessel play, USARJ benefited by observing doctrinal port operations and “playing by the book.” The 836th TB personnel benefited by receiving realistic, challenging contingency planning and training.
In a contingency, like the defense of Japan, the 836th TB will represent the 599th Transportation Group and support U.S. Forces Japan and USARJ as the Single Port Manager and port operator. Exercise YAMA SAKURA provides the battalion an excellent opportunity to exercise these roles, train its key personnel, and improve its contingency planning and proficiency, while making a vital contribution to the defense of Japan.
This was the first year that the battalion assisted in the Gamer Cell for YAMA SAKURA. The decision was made to make the vessel play realistic and effective, because the personnel control-ling the vessel play must have a requisite knowledge in vessel and port operations. By improving the vessel play, USARJ benefited by observing doctrinal port operations and “playing by the book.” The 836th TB personnel benefited by receiving realistic, challenging contingency planning and training.
In a contingency, like the defense of Japan, the 836th TB will represent the 599th Transportation Group and support U.S. Forces Japan and USARJ as the Single Port Manager and port operator. Exercise YAMA SAKURA provides the battalion an excellent opportunity to exercise these roles, train its key personnel, and improve its contingency planning and proficiency, while making a vital contribution to the defense of Japan.
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