Army Revitalizes Pacific Operations with Kuroda-Class Vessels

The U.S. Army is reinvesting in its maritime capabilities with the revitalization of logistics support vessels, specifically the SSGT Robert T. Kuroda, stationed at Pearl Harbor. Named after a World War II Medal of Honor recipient, the vessel serves as a critical asset for transporting military equipment across the Pacific. The Army’s renewed focus on the Pacific region aligns with its strategic shift from prolonged engagements in the Middle East to confronting challenges posed by China.

The SSGT Robert T. Kuroda is one of two Kuroda-class logistics support vessels in the Army. Chief Warrant Officer 3 Kyle Nicholas, the boat’s captain, emphasizes the significance of the vessel’s namesake, who displayed exceptional bravery during combat in France. “I love Hawaii, I’ve always loved living here,” Nicholas stated. “It’s a unique place. But in 20 years of service, I’ve never had the pleasure of commanding a boat named after someone who grew up nearby.”

As a logistics support vessel, the Kuroda is designed to transport vehicles, weapons, and other essential supplies to various locations. This vessel, along with its counterpart, the Robert Smalls, has been reintegrated into active service to bolster U.S. military operations in the Pacific. The Army aims to enhance its presence in the region, adapting to the changing geopolitical landscape.

Historical Significance and Modern Operations

The Army’s involvement in maritime operations is steeped in history, dating back to the Revolutionary War. Maj. Gen. Gavin Gardner, commander of the 8th Theater Sustainment Command, noted the longstanding role of watercraft in U.S. Army history. “Army watercraft systems have been with the Army really since its inception,” Gardner explained, referencing George Washington’s famous crossing of the Delaware River.

Today, the Kuroda and its crew are actively engaged in logistical operations. The vessels have already undertaken missions to Guam, Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, facilitating training exercises for the Army’s 25th Infantry Division based at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii. “In that first year, we doubled the amount of service hours that she had in the entirety of its life at the time,” Nicholas remarked, highlighting the vessel’s growing operational tempo.

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Micah Innis, who oversees the Kuroda’s engine room, shared insights into the unique challenges faced by Army personnel at sea. Unlike the Navy, where roles are more specialized, Army soldiers are trained to handle a variety of tasks, from hydraulics to electrical systems. “They do everything, and they’ve got to have their heads on a swivel,” Innis said, emphasizing the high standards expected of his crew.

Staff Sgt. Jessica Howell, a boatswain on the Kuroda, expressed her enthusiasm for the work, stating, “You get to see the world, and you get to do the work. We’re out there for a reason.” Her experience underscores the dynamic nature of life aboard an Army vessel and the operational significance of their missions.

Strategic Integration and Future Plans

The Army’s efforts to reassert its role in the Pacific are part of a broader strategy to establish a “landpower network” that connects the U.S. with its allies. During the recent Association of the U.S. Army’s annual Land Power in the Pacific conference in Waikiki, Adm. Samuel Paparo, chief of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, underscored the Army’s importance in sustaining combat power across the region. “The Army provides the backbone of our ability to sustain combat power across the region,” Paparo stated.

As the U.S. military seeks to optimize its resources, the Army is exploring the integration of both manned and unmanned watercraft systems. “Sometimes it’s more convenient to use Army watercraft systems; sometimes it makes more sense based on the volume of what we’re trying to do to go with a commercial capability,” Gardner explained. The Army is committed to refining its maritime operations, learning from experiences in Hawaii that influence future tactics and procedures.

Despite past plans to auction off the Kuroda, the Army recognized its potential for active duty in the Pacific. Since its return to Hawaii, the vessel has played a vital role in supporting various military exercises, including a recent operation in the Philippines where it facilitated logistics for joint training exercises with U.S. troops from multiple branches.

The operational tempo and challenges of long-distance travel across the Pacific test the capabilities of the Army’s small fleet. “Our counterparts on the East Coast… are not crossing the ocean as much as we are,” Nicholas noted, acknowledging the unique demands faced by his crew. The vessel’s average speed of 10 knots illustrates the challenges of transporting equipment over vast distances, requiring meticulous planning and coordination.

In summary, the Army’s reinvestment in vessels like the SSGT Robert T. Kuroda not only pays tribute to its historical roots but also enhances its operational readiness in the Pacific. The crew’s dedication to their roles reflects the Army’s commitment to adapting and thriving in an evolving military landscape, ensuring that they remain prepared for future challenges.