The Jacksonville Port Authority, or JAXPORT, recently facilitated the transportation of nearly 900 pieces of military equipment. This included over a dozen aircraft, which are used in support of fighting terrorist groups in the Middle East.
The Blount Island Marine Terminal was the ideal port for completing the loading mission because of its proximity to the Fort Liberty, N.C. (formerly Fort Bragg) military base, as well as its availability of staging areas and deepwater piers, the U.S. Army reported.
“We appreciate the support of the community as we execute dynamic missions like this,” said Lt. Col. Mathew Ferretti, commander, 841st Transportation Bn., “The support of JAXPORT and its skilled labor force play a critical role in our ability to deploy forces and equipment worldwide.”
“One of our most important roles at JAXPORT is serving as a U.S. Strategic Seaport,” said JAXPORT CEO Eric Green. “The strength of Jacksonville’s transportation network and experienced maritime service providers complement our capabilities to serve our nation’s military forces any time the need arises.”
JAXPORT is one of the nation’s 17 strategic seaports, 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.
The move comes right before Veterans Day, this Saturday November 11, 2023.
