WASHINGTON (Army News Service, Jan. 10, 2005) -- Soldiers from the U.S. Army, Pacific's 58th Signal Battalion are providing around-the-clock communications support for Combined Support Forces-536, currently conducting tsunami humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts in Asia.

The 58th operates the standardized tactical entry point for satellite communications in the Southeast Asia theater.

"Through 58th's STEP site, U.S. forces deployed throughout the region can access DoD's global information grid, which provides secure and non-secure data networks, telephones, and video teleconferences," said Col. Brian J. Donahue, commander of the 516th Signal Brigade and USARPAC Chief Information Officer.

Bill McPherson, spokesman for the 516th Signal Brigade, said the STEP is a relay station that transmits satellite-based communications to receivers throughout an area of operations.

"They're using both strategic and tactical communications assets throughout Southeast Asia in the effort," McPherson said.

Donahue said the contribution of the communication team is essential to the relief effort.

"Reliable joint communications is just as critical for relief operations as it is for combat operations," he said. "This is just one example of the Army in the Pacific's contribution to this joint operation."

"The 58th Signal Battalion will continue to support this critical mission for the humanitarian relief effort on a 24-hour basis throughout the duration of the operation," Donahue said.

The 58th Signal Battalion is located at Fort Buckner on Okinawa, Japan. For more information go to:

http://www.usarpac.army.mil/516thSigBde/58th_signal_battalion.htm