Pennsylvania National Guard Unveils Stryker Vehicle at Ceremony

Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, FORT INDIANTOWN GAP: Today during a ceremony at Fort Indiantown Gap, the Pennsylvania National Guard rolled out the first of its 300 Stryker vehicles, the Army's newest combat vehicle which uses cutting- edge computer and communications technology. 
 
In 2001, Pennsylvania's 56th Brigade was selected to transform from a heavy combat brigade to a Stryker Brigade, one of seven elite rapid- mobilization brigades in the Army, and the only one in the National Guard force. Becoming a Stryker Brigade takes several years and the rollout of the vehicles today is another step toward becoming a fully operational unit. It is unusual for a National Guard unit to be selected to participate in this type of project. 
 
“We appreciate the confidence the United States Army has in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard to field the latest technology,” said Maj. Gen. Jessica L. Wright, the Adjutant General. “I can assure you that our Stryker Brigade Combat Team will be among the most elite units in the U.S. Army.” 
 
Being selected as a Brigade Combat Team is an economic boost for Pennsylvania. The $1.5 billion investment includes approximately 200 new full time positions and will generate 85 construction projects across the commonwealth. 
 
Soldiers of the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team began training on the new vehicles and equipment in April. Soldiers from the 129th New Equipment Training Team from Fort Benning, Ga., and contractors from General Dynamics, the manufacturer of the Stryker, are assisting with the training. The brigade is expected to be fully trained by the end of 2008. 
 
The Stryker, named after two Medal of Honor recipients, Pfc. Stuart R. Stryker, who served in World War II, and Spc. Robert F. Stryker, who served in Vietnam, is currently being used in Afghanistan and Iraq to fight the global war on terror. 
 
Lt. Governor Catherine Baker Knoll, U.S. Reps. Tim Holden and John Murtha and U.S. Army Vice Chief of Staff General Richard Cody attended today's ceremony.