Transportation Ft. Lewis, WA

• Historic Roots: The transportation units at Fort Lewis trace their origins back to World War I, when the base was established as Camp Lewis in 1917, supporting troop and supply movements for the war effort. • Strategic Location: Fort Lewis, now part of Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), is strategically located near the Port of Tacoma and Seattle, making it a key hub for military transportation to the Pacific and Asia. • Home to the 593rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command: The 593rd ESC, headquartered at JBLM, commands transportation, logistics, and sustainment units that enable global deployment of troops and supplies. • Vietnam War Deployments: During the Vietnam War, transportation units at Fort Lewis played a vital role in moving personnel, equipment, and supplies to and from Southeast Asia. • Rail Operations: Fort Lewis boasts one of the largest military railheads on the West Coast, used extensively for loading and unloading tanks, vehicles, and equipment for deployment. • Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom: Transportation units from Fort Lewis deployed in support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, showcasing their ability to operate in austere and hostile environments. • Innovative Training: The base conducts realistic convoy and logistics training, including simulated IED scenarios and vehicle recovery, to prepare soldiers for real-world missions. • Support to Civil Authorities: Fort Lewis transportation units have frequently supported disaster relief, such as transporting supplies during the Mount St. Helens eruption in 1980 and regional wildfires. • Women in Transportation: Fort Lewis was among the first Army installations to integrate female soldiers into transportation units, paving the way for greater gender integration in the Army. • Unit Motto: The 13th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, a key transportation unit at JBLM, operates under the motto “Wagonmasters,” reflecting their vital role in sustaining the force.