Interoperability between the services is one of the success stories from the Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore (JLOTS) exercise that concluded June 19 at Camp Lejeune.
JLOTS brought Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen together to coordinate the movement of heavy cargo and vehicles from ship-to-shore.
The exercise not only showcased operational compatibility but fostered camaraderie between Soldiers and Sailors.
"I helped the Army with food preparation," said Equipment Operator Construction Apprentice Kyle Durocher, assigned to Amphibious Construction Battalion Two (ACB 2). "I also worked with them to clean the galley and keep the trash around the camp down to a minimum."
Working side-by-side with other services can be beneficial, especially during an exercise as large as JLOTS.
"You meet a large array of individuals," said Builder Constructionman Apprentice Michelle Hazen, assigned to ACB 2. "Not only do you make friends, but you learn how they do the same job as you."
Navy and Army have always had a friendly rivalry, but both branches learned from their JLOTS experience.
"The interaction with the Navy has been great," said Army Sgt. 1st Class Charles Berry, assigned to 11th Transportation Battalion Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment. "Having both services out here brings about better ideas that we can take back to our units."
JLOTS demonstrated the capability the services have to accomplish missions when they work together to achieve a common goal.
"To watch a Navy watercraft carry Army gear to the pier is a fine example of interoperability," said Capt. Clayton Saunders, who commands Naval Beach Group 2. "On that same token, to watch an Army watercraft come ashore to a Navy beach and offload vehicles and supplies is quite a sight."
John Stratton (NNS)
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