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Class VIII medical supply and equipment containers are loaded onto Army line-haul transporters at the Dülmen Army Prepositioned Stocks-2 worksite to be convoyed from Dülmen to Baumholder, Germany, for DEFENDER 24. For the first time in Army medicine history, an APS-2 field hospital was activated and issued, and for the first time in APS-2 history, an Equipment Configuration and Hand-off Area was established at Dülmen to support this mission.

APS-2 field hospital activated, issued for DEFENDER

Dwann Jackson, an Army Field Support Battalion-Mannheim quality assurance specialist, observes onsite suspension and track upgrades to an Army Prepositioned Stocks-2 M2 Bradley fighting vehicle at the Coleman APS-2 worksite. (U.S. Army courtesy photo)

Quality Assurance support at Coleman APS-2 Worksite

An Army Prepositioned Stocks-2 staging grid is set at Libava, ready to issue an entire cavalry APS-2 equipment set to the 1st Squadron, 150th Cavalry Regiment from the West Virginia Army National Guard for DEFENDER 24. The 405th Army Field Support Brigade’s Army Field Support Battalion-Africa has established an Equipment Configuration and Hand-off Area in Libava, and over the course of the next couple of days the battalion from Livorno, Italy, will be conducting technical inspections of all the tactical vehicles, basic issue items and support equipment with Soldiers from the 1st Squadron, 150th Cav. Regt., the gaining tactical unit.

DEFENDER is the Dynamic Employment of Forces to Europe for NATO Deterrence and Enhanced Readiness, and is a U.S. European Command scheduled, U.S. Army Europe and Africa conducted exercise that consists of Saber Strike, Immediate Response, and Swift Response. DEFENDER 24 is linked to NATO’s Steadfast Defender exercise, and DoD’s Large Scale Global Exercise, taking place from 28 March to 31 May. DEFENDER 24 is the largest U.S. Army exercise in Europe and includes more than 17,000 U.S. and 23,000 multinational service members from more than 20 Allied and partner nations, including Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Georgia, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

APS-2 ECHA grid in Czechia for DEFENDER

Congressional and U.S. Embassy staff delegation members move through one of the storage warehouses at the Powidz Army Prepositioned Stocks-2 worksite in Powidz, Poland, Sept. 5. The delegation visited the Powidz APS-2 worksite to assess and provide first-hand information and knowledge on APS-2 operations in Poland back to Congress. (Capt. James Bath)

DV Visit to Powidz APS-2 worksite

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‘Safety starts with me’ – be prepared, aware when hitting the hiking trails this summer
July 16, 2025 — Hiking during the summer is a very popular pastime. In fact, here in Germany ‘Volksmarching’ is one of biggest summertime social activities. Leann Fraka and LaShaun Chappell recommend getting outside and hitting the hiking trails while the weather is right but be prepared and aware. And most importantly, be safe. As part of their “safety starts with me” campaign and the Army’s 101 critical days of summer safety, Fraka and Chappell – the 405th Army Field Support Brigade Safety Team – want everyone to keep safety in mind while hiking. And many of the brigade’s most avid hikers couldn’t agree with them more. ... MORE

Safety starts with me – Cpt. Kellie O’Boyle, the 405th Army Field Support Brigade security and intelligence officer (S-2), said she is a big advocate of the ’Ten Essentials of Hiking’ which are navigation, light, sun protection, first aid, tools, fire, shelter, food and water, clothing, and communication. Pictured here, O’Boyle hikes in Hawaii. (Courtesy photo)

1st AD’s top leader, Congressional staff delegation visit Powidz APS-2 worksite
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The commander of the 405th Army Field Support Brigade, Col. Ernest Lane II (center left with back to camera), briefs a group of Congressional staff delegates and distinguished visitors at the Powidz Army Prepositioned Stocks-2 worksite in Powidz, Poland, July 3, 2025. (U.S. Army courtesy photo)

AFSBn-Germany executive officer follows father’s footsteps, Army career
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Newly promoted Maj. Alec Velasco enjoys the moment with his wife, Stella, at his promotion ceremony in December of 2023. Velasco is now the executive officer for Army Field Support Battalion-Germany, and Stella is a staff employee at the Netzaberg Youth Center in Grafenwoehr, Germany, where they live. (U.S. Army courtesy photo)

‘Soldier for Life’ back in Brunssum, Netherlands as LRC Benelux’s property book officer
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Stuart Hodge III is the property book officer for Logistics Readiness Center Benelux in Brunssum, Netherlands. He’s also a Soldier for Life who served for 10 years as an active-duty Soldier and was a staff sergeant when he completed his duties in uniform before transitioning to Army civilian. (U.S. Army courtesy photo)

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