NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa. –
Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Corpus Christi, Texas, plays a vital role in supporting Corpus Christi Army Depot’s airlift missions that transport helicopter airframes around the globe. Strategically co-located with CCAD, the DDCT airlift team successfully completed three airlift missions July 27 -28.
The DDCT airlift team uploaded two UH-60V Black Hawk helicopters destined for the U.S. European Command. One of the helicopters was uploaded at night, adding an additional layer of complexity, but ensured the limited amount of airlift assets kept moving to ensure warfighter readiness. The final leg involved unloading three UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters destined for CCAD’s maintenance line for repairs and upgrades.
Led by Elyse Atoe, deputy operations manager, the airlift mission has matured through the years as DDCT has learned and evolved to maximize loading efficiency. Ad-hoc help was a part of the original proposal, which called for the construction of wooden approach ramps that were labor-intensive, taking up crucial aircrew time. Instead, DLA invested in modular aluminum ramps, saving the team hours and making construction safer.
Atoe ensures the airlift team is trained, resourced and rehearsed prior to every airlift operation. She frequently highlights the team’s pride, dedication and tenacity as they can directly see the results of their hard work and the impact to warfighter readiness.
DDCT provides a vital link between the CCAD’s organic industrial base facility, that maintains, repairs and modernizes rotary wing aircraft and the warfighter. Without this strategic logistics bridge, the warfighter would be left with less efficient options for support.
DDCT also serves as an interface between the cargo aircraft and the maintenance team. To enable the quick and secure upload or download of any kind of military helicopter, DDCT offers special air load equipment and expertise. This local expertise and professionalism keeps DDCT at the forefront of delivering lethality to the warfighter.
Other critical services provided by DDCT include loading and unloading helicopters and other priority cargo from strategic airlift assets operated by the Air Mobility Command. DDCT’s unique capabilities and expertise to support strategic airlift missions is another example of why they are the, “Lifeline to the Flight Line.”
DDCT serves as the primary wholesale distribution point for major components to support helicopter repair missions for Defense Department and foreign military sales customers worldwide. Its mission is to receive, store, pack, preserve, issue and arrange transportation for assigned supplies and equipment as directed.