BEAUMONT, Texas – The 4th Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) successfully completed port operations at the Port of Beaumont in preparation for an upcoming deployment to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
Dubbed “Fort to Port,” this mission required meticulous planning, outload support, and the movement and loading of aircraft, ground vehicles, and containers from Fort Carson, Colorado to the "Liberty Power" cargo ship at the Port of Beaumont, Texas.
Overcoming Challenges: A "Super Bowl" for Maintenance and Movement
This pre-deployment mission marks a significant milestone for the 4th CAB, particularly for Bravo Company, 404th Aviation Support Battalion (ASB), which played a pivotal role in the operation. Many of the aircraft involved had undergone extensive maintenance after a severe weather event last August that damaged the majority of the brigade’s aircraft fleet, rendering most of them non-mission capable (NMC).
"This is kind of like our Super Bowl," stated Capt. Randi Ferido, Port Operations Officer-In-Charge (OIC) and Executive Officer (XO) for Bravo Company, 404th ASB. "It's a bit of poetic justice for us to finally load all these aircraft that have been sitting in our hangar for months."
Ferido commended CW2 Dakota Maricich, Bravo Company's Production Control OIC, and Sgt. 1st Class James Ellisor, Port Operations NCOIC, for their instrumental roles in coordinating the brigade's maintenance efforts to return the aircraft to fully mission-capable (FMC) in time for the "Fort to Port" mission.
Precision Planning and Seamless Coordination
The initial planning, led by then-Bravo Company Commander Maj. Jonathan Lunde, was crucial in mapping out every detail.
"We've been planning this since before our Pre-Deployment Site Survey (PDSS) in March," said Capt. Ferido. "Maj. Lunde created the products before the PDSS, which have been carried through to the current operation."
These products included movement rehearsals, logistical support planning, and projections for the number of aircraft that would be repaired in time for outload.
In addition to internal coordination, 4th CAB effectively leveraged external partnerships. Collaboration with the 842nd Transportation Battalion, an Army Reserve unit that manages ports in the Southeastern Texas region, was essential for logistical support. The battalion assisted the brigade in providing accommodations for all 197 Soldiers involved in the operation and enabling support from the civilian port employees.
3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division provided inter-brigade support by assisting in the transportation of most ground vehicles and containers to the Port of Beaumont from Fort Carson. This outload support allowed 4th CAB to flex personnel to other maintenance and logistical requirements, improving the efficiency of mobility operations.
The “Fort to Port” mission required coordination with Intermediate Staging Bases (ISBs), which serve as staging hubs for aircraft that flew into port from Fort Carson. Communication with ISBs, such as Jack Brooks Municipal and Beaumont Municipal Airports, ensured seamless aircraft sequencing into the port. Overall, interpersonal relationships and shared understanding of all units involved paid dividends to maximize output and minimize delay.
Enhancing Capabilities Through Hands-On Training
The "Fort to Port" mission served as an invaluable training opportunity, enhancing the brigade's ability to foster cross-functional expertise. A key focus was on "folding operations," the intricate process of preparing helicopters for transport by folding their blades.
"Every phase prior to starting, we conduct fold training on each type of aircraft," explained Maj. Benjamin Nichols, Bravo Company Commander. "We did a full rehearsal in May, so everyone had hands-on experience beforehand."
This hands-on training involved all Bravo Company personnel, including armament, powertrain, and hydraulic repair maintainers who typically do not engage in such tasks.
"Every Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) was out there... everyone was involved. Commanders and First Sergeants were on-site," remarked Maj. Nichols, emphasizing the all-hands-on-deck approach.
Even Col. Cameron Gallagher, Commander of the 4th CAB, and Lt. Col. Doug Gray, Commander of the 404th ASB, participated in the blade-folding process.
404th ASB extended its expertise to other battalions within 4th CAB, cross-training them in folding operations prior to “Fort to Port.” The Apache Helicopter Project Manager also provided two weeks of specialized training with fold kits for all 4th CAB personnel. This training approach increased the brigade’s proficiency in folding different aircraft blades, and building confidence in transporting aircraft once deployed within CENTCOM.
Teamwork and Shared Understanding
Despite the intense heat and demanding physical labor, the spirit of teamwork among the Soldiers remained exceptionally high. This collective dedication was evident in every aspect of the operation, from the most junior-ranking Soldiers to senior leadership.
"Throughout this operation, every soldier understood why we are doing this," said 1st Sgt. Sergio McCluskey, First Sergeant of Bravo Company, 404th ASB. "That understanding led to more teamwork, and everyone felt that they were a part of something bigger than themselves."
The 4th CAB’s successful completion of the “Fort to Port” mission demonstrates its ability to rapidly deploy with diverse pieces of equipment from various types of aircraft to fuelers and command vehicles. It also showcases the adaptability of the brigade’s maintenance program, successfully repairing much of its damaged fleet in a matter of months and accurately projecting the number of aircraft that would be prepared for transport.
The 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, "Ivy Eagles," is an aviation brigade headquartered at Fort Carson, Colorado, and operates out of Butts Army Airfield. It has five battalions, 6-17 Aviation Cavalry Squadron, 3-4 Assault Helicopter Battalion, 4-4 Attack Battalion, 2-4 General Support Aviation Battalion, and 404th Aviation Support Battalion. The brigade provides air assault, air movement, attack, reconnaissance, and MEDEVAC capabilities to the 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson partner units.
Social Sharing