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The 3rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command (ESC) is the only ESC in the Army aligned to the XVIII Airborne (ABN) Corps, and its mission is to be ready to support deployment operations and overseas named operations while supporting home station requirements. The geographical location of the 3rd ESC is unique because it is the only active ESC on the Atlantic coast, strategically located close to Pope Air Force Base and the Port of Charleston in South Carolina. These two strategic nodes allow the 3rd ESC to immediately support outload operations for the XVIII ABN Corps, 82nd ABN Division, and various units to support planned or emerging operations.
Having to support quick response units, the 3rd ESC leaders developed the mindset to be adaptable as they must be ready to deploy or support the deployment of large-scale combat operations (LSCO) in any theater at a moment's notice. Having a deployed operational mindset ensures sustainment leaders are ready to deploy to support LSCO based on the 3rd ESC's geographic location, its unique sustainment capabilities, and the ability to find materiel solutions for corps commanders.
While some ESCs are more aligned with one operation plan (OPLAN) or theater, the 3rd ESC must be ready to support and deploy anywhere in the world. In addition, to support LSCO and overseas operations, the 3rd ESC also must be ready to support the Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) and Northern Command with declared emergencies while working with agencies like the U.S. Agency for International Development, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of State, the Red Cross, and other intergovernmental and non-governmental agencies. The East Coast is directly at risk during hurricane season, and the 3rd ESC stands ready to support with troop transport and water purification capabilities. In 2017, this command established a unified effort with FEMA and DSCA leaders to support relief operations for Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria in Puerto Rico. In 2010, 3rd ESC deployed to Haiti to support earthquake relief packages and assumed the role of a joint logistics command while supporting over 18,000 Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen. This unique ESC capability for a joint logistics command continues to be studied at Combined Arms Support Command to determine the feasibility and shortfalls for ESC...