The Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT) is facilitating an "Elite" U.S. Army deployment operation this week at the port's Blount Island Marine Terminal. Elite moves are the Army's largest and most important cargo moves of the year.

The move of equipment from the 101st Airborne Division’s 101st Combat Aviation Brigade is being conducted by the Jacksonville Detachment at Blount Island under the command and control of the 832nd Transportation Battalion and in coordination with the 597th Transportation Brigade from Fort Eustis, Va.

Stevedores with Patriot Rail and Ports are loading approximately 1,450 pieces, including UH-60 Black Hawk utility helicopters, AH-64 Apache attack helicopters, wheeled vehicles and containerized support equipment, aboard the US-flagged vehicle carrier ARC Endurance. The equipment is en route to Europe where it will be used for a training mission.

The pieces arrived at Blount Island from Fort Campbell, Ky., by truck and rail over the past two weeks.

"Support from JAXPORT, as well as our trucking and rail partners here in Jacksonville, has been phenomenal," said Lt. Col. Thomas Patterson III from the 832nd Transportation Battalion. "In large moves like this one, efficiency is key to ensuring the best use of taxpayer dollars. Jacksonville offers the strategic value, expertise and flexibility to seamlessly get it all done."

"JAXPORT is one of the nation's most diversified ports, and our ability to support the military is an important part of our diversification strategy," said JAXPORT CEO Eric Green. "We are proud to serve our community and country in this capacity."

Located at the crossroads of the nation’s rail and highway network, JAXPORT offers fast access to three major interstates, 40 daily trains and service from more than 100 trucking firms.

As one of the nation's 17 strategic seaports, JAXPORT is on call 24/7 to move U.S. Military cargo for national defense, foreign humanitarian aid and disaster relief, and the only port in Florida with this designation.