The U.S. Army Watervliet Arsenal received a $5.9 million contract to provide nearly 900 60mm mortar systems to the Afghanistan National Army to support the transition of U.S. troops withdrawing from Afghanistan. The arsenal was asked to deliver the first shipment within 30 days to support President Obama's announcement to withdraw 34,000 troops by 2014. The arsenal mobilized contractors, machinists, and shippers to assemble and deliver the mortar systems on a tight schedule so that U.S. troops could return home sooner.