JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM –
The 5th Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment (5-17 ACS), 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade completed its deactivation in late December following a multi year effort requiring extensive coordination between unit personnel and Defense Logistics Agency Disposition Services Korea. The drawdown involved turning in hundreds of equipment lines and managing a complex retrograde timeline that began nearly two years before the official announcement.
Although the squadron was not formally notified of its deactivation until early 2024, DLA personnel supporting the drawdown had already begun accepting property turn ins in early 2022. The extended timeline required consistent oversight to ensure accountability and compliance with disposition requirements.
The effort was spearheaded on the ground by Camp Humphreys Disposal Service Representative Kevin Higdon, who worked closely with the squadron throughout the process. Higdon trained unit personnel on disposition procedures, coordinated weekly with each company, and partnered with Sgt. First Class Sunghyun Lim, the 2CAB non-commissioned officer-in-charge for supply who served as the primary point of contact.
Lim said Higdon’s involvement was essential to keeping the operation on track.
“Mr. Higdon’s hands on approach and ability to provide clear and concise guidance made the turn in process easy,” Lim said. “He was always available for visits or calls to clarify instructions.”
The equipment processed during deactivation included a wide range of aviation related assets, communications systems, rolling stock, and unmanned aerial system components. The items were originally valued at more than $10 million, reflecting the scale and diversity of the squadron’s equipment footprint and the level of coordination required to validate and transfer each asset to the DLA Disposition Services site in Gimcheon.
Area Manager John Reber said Higdon’s support exemplified the level of customer service DLA aims to provide across the region.
“Kevin is an excellent DSR,” Reber said. “His knowledge of disposition processes and his problem solving abilities are unmatched and do not go unnoticed by the customer. This recognition reflects his commitment to the warfighter and the (United States Forces Korea) mission.”
DLA Disposition Services Indo Pacific Director Faron Cordrey said the successful deactivation demonstrates the importance of strong coordination between DLA personnel and forward deployed units.
“The deactivation of a unit as large and historically significant as 5-17 ACS requires disciplined coordination and consistent engagement across multiple organizations,” Cordrey said. “Mr. Higdon’s support throughout this process reflects the professionalism and customer focused mindset our personnel bring to every mission. His efforts ensured the squadron could meet its requirements on time while maintaining full accountability of its equipment.”
Before departing the theater, 5-17 ACS leaders presented Higdon with a unit shadow box in appreciation for his sustained support throughout the deactivation.
The completion of the squadron’s turn in requirements highlights the role of DLA Disposition Services personnel in maintaining accountability and supporting major force transitions across the Indo Pacific region.