The Port of Corpus Christi recently hosted a large-scale strategic deployment operation consisting of approximately 1,500 pieces of military equipment and 77 helicopters for the 1st Air Combat Brigade of Fort Hood, Texas and the United States Army Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command (SDDC).
“As a designated U.S. Strategic Military Port, we are honored to answer the call to uphold our nation’s military objectives,” Port of Corpus Christi Commission Chair Charles W. Zahn said. “We stand ready in support of our military, and to facilitate the swift movement of equipment for our troops.”
As part of its operations, the SDDC is involved in planning and executing the surface delivery of military equipment and supplies for a variety of efforts.
At the conclusion of the event, SDDC Commanding General Major General Kurt J. Ryan noted the port’s responsive readiness in accommodating such a large operation for timely deployment, especially in the wake of Hurricane Harvey and its devastating blow to the region.
Ryan said he aimed for the SDDC to operate with increased efficiency in support of deployment readiness across the U.S. military Total Force, and that the port played an integral and efficient part in the operation.
“Port Corpus Christi is a great partner in moving military equipment around the world,” U.S. Rep. Blake Farenthold (R-TX) said. “It’s amazing how many helicopters, tanks, and other pieces of equipment can be quickly loaded and transported by sea. It was great to see what the Army, under the leadership of Major General Kurt Ryan, and the port are up to in helping defend America.”