Huge ammo shipment to Europe for U.S. troops

NORDENHAM, Germany, Nov. 10 (UPI) -- The U.S. Army has sent more than 600 shipping containers of ammunition to Europe, its largest single shipment in more than 20 years.

The Army and Air Force ammunition arrived at the port in Nordenham, Germany, late last month and was transported to the Miesau Army Depot, Germany, for storage and distribution to U.S. Forces.

"The shipment by itself is special because it's over 620 containers," said Lt. Col. Brad Culligan, commander, 838th Transportation Battalion, Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command. "We continue to build up the presence in Europe. This will help with reassuring our allies, along with the common defense of Europe if needed."

Added said Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges, commanding general, U.S. Army Europe: "This is about deterrence, We could have 1,000 tanks over here, but if we didn't have the ammunition for them, they would not have any deterrent effect. It's another example of the commitment of the United States to security and stability in Europe."

The ammunition was moved from the United States aboard a Military Sea Lift Command vessel, the Army said.

Russia's recent annexation of Crimea and its intentions toward Ukraine has raised security anxiety in Europe.