The Eygelshoven Army Prepositioned Stocks-2 (APS-2) worksite in the Netherlands recently saw a surge in activity with the start of DEFENDER 25. On May 11, the 59th Chemical Company from Fort Drum, New York, arrived in Europe and immediately began receiving over 200 APS-2 major end items, including M1135 Stryker NBC reconnaissance vehicles.
This marks the first time APS-2 equipment was issued directly at the Eygelshoven site, rather than at forward areas. The event showcases the flexibility of the APS-2 program and the ability to deploy rapidly from the site, supporting the ongoing combat mission.
Army Lt. Col. George Horne, commander of Army Field Support Battalion-Benelux, explained that this innovation allows for faster deployment while still maintaining support to combat actions further east.
For the 59th Chemical Company, this is a game-changer. Executive Officer 1st Lt. Logan Liddington noted the streamlined process that allowed them to inspect, inventory, and receive equipment in just a few days, with transportation to Greece for DEFENDER 25 set to occur within the week.
The APS-2 equipment included a variety of vehicles, including Humvees, 5-ton trucks, tactical vehicles, and essential CBRN gear such as radios, generators, and decontamination kits. This support bolsters U.S. Army Europe’s mission to maintain readiness while promoting regional stability.
This strategic shift in APS-2 equipment handling represents an important step in enhancing the Army’s global deployment capabilities and improving operational efficiency.
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