836th Transportation Battalion supports Fleet Review - Military Traffic Management Command - Brief Article

Translog: Journal of Military Transportation Management, Jan-Feb, 2001 by Bartel G. Drake

The geographic location of the 836th Transportation Battalion in Yokohama, Japan, gives us a unique window on the world.

Every few years, we get a good reminder of this vantage point through our participation in Fleet Review.

From Oct. 18-28, more than 20,000 visitors came through our gates at the North Dock port facility to tour the ships and observe maneuver rehearsals conducted by the Japanese Self-Defense Forces.

Fleet Review 2000 ended Oct. 29 with an impressive parade of 63 ships and 38 airplanes at Sagami Bay.

Prime Minister Mori served as the reviewing officer on board the Shirane. In addition, 10,000 members from the Maritime Self-Defense Force viewed an awesome combined live-fire exercise demonstrating the lethality of Japan's military forces.

The Fleet Review has a rich history dating back to 1867, when Emperor Meiji conducted the first review of six ships.

Our participation in this year's review began in March, when we discussed supply and security requirements with Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force officials.

The event took on greater significance as the force celebrated its 45th anniversary.

MTMC's Yokohama Battalion has been supporting the Fleet Review since 1981. Reviews were also held in 1984, 1987, 1989, 1992, 1994 and 1997.

For this year's event, the 836th Transportation Battalion furnished berthing space for 13 destroyers. We also provided billeting, parking, and storage, and participated in a joint security force.

Maj. Bartel G. Drake Executive Officer 836th Transportation Battalion