On Dec. 3, the unit demonstrated the capabilities of the battalion's Deployable Power Generation and Distribution System, simulating an outage that required a 1.6-megawatt mobile power plant to be installed to restore power to Dominion Energy's training facility.

"This training exercise will provide invaluable training with real-world scenarios highlighting how the 249th Engineer Battalion's emergency power generation capability could support commercial energy corporations during times of need," said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Uriel Reyes-Castanon.

The 249th Engineer Battalion is the only tactical Army unit assigned to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and is responsible for providing electrical expertise to commanders, ensuring commercial-grade electrical power generation and distribution, and responding with FEMA during disasters to restore electrical power to critical infrastructure.

Several times a year, the Soldiers at Fort Belvoir engage in training exercises installing their power generation equipment on facilities to remain proficient in the multitude of electrical configurations they may experience during times of need.

Sergeant First Class Christopher Briggs said the battalion has the capability to deploy worldwide and "provide prime power assets to anyone in need." He said the unit's primary role is to provide load assessments and to determine the size of generator to install. In August, the unit responded to Connecticut in response to outages and damages that occurred when Hurricane Isaias struck the East Coast. Briggs said he also deployed following the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy in 2012.

"This mission right here is showing our capabilities," Briggs said of the joint training exercise with Dominion Energy.

Partnerships between the military and Dominion Energy are not new. The company has made support for the military, veterans and their families a priority and has been recognized as one of the top military friendly companies nationwide. Dominion Energy's military program works to strengthen the company's network within the communities it serves, while developing a talent pipeline to continue to strengthen its workforce.

Matt Kellam, military and recruitment program coordinator with Dominion Energy, said joint training exercises with the military, such as the one with the Army's Prime Power Battalion, further Dominion Energy's commitment to the military.

"Not only do they need to be able respond efficiently and effectively, but we do as well" Kellam said. "To have those relationships already established, that's just as important. Just like any other team, we know how each other works, we are familiar with each other and we are able to help if a more critical situation occurs."

The company's military program and Veterans Resource Group will continue to work with the 249th Engineer Battalion to plan and execute future joint training exercises, company site tours and more.