DLA Distribution Corpus Christ executes airlift support mission

A nine-person team from Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Corpus Christi, Texas, executed a combat download of a damaged UH-60M Blackhawk helicopter from the U.S. Central Command area of operations to the Corpus Christi Army Depot for maintenance and repairs July 15.

The mission, a first for the DLA Distribution Corpus Christi team, was executed in coordination with the Air Force to facilitate the maintenance evacuation of a critical aviation asset in theater for depot level repairs.

While this particular mission was the first for the team, the eight-person DLA Distribution Corpus Christi airlift team often supports strategic airlift missions arriving and departing Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas to facilitate transfer of Department of Defense aviation assets around the world. The Air Force provided the strategic lift asset to transport the helicopter back to Naval Air Station Corpus Christi. The DLA Distribution Corpus Christi team provided the labor and specialized equipment to download the helicopter from the C-17 cargo plane and transfer over to CCAD custody.

"Regardless of volume or time of day, the airlift team stays ready to execute this vital mission," said Elyse Atoe, deputy operations chief, DLA Distribution Corpus Christi. "The airlift team is a highly trained and organized crew experienced in interfacing with U.S. Air Force transportation assets."

For this mission Lt. Col. Timothy Owens, commander, DLA Distribution Corpus Christi, augmented the team due to additional requirements for ramp building, lifting requirements and material handling equipment support.

DLA Distribution Corpus Christi, Texas, serves as the primary wholesale distribution point for major components to support helicopter repair missions for Department of Defense 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 by DLA and Service Inventory Control Point Item managers. Other services provided by Corpus Christi distribution center include loading and unloading helicopters and other priority cargo from C-17, C-5A, and C-130 aircraft operated by the Air Mobility Command and local delivery of aircraft components and other items to designated customers.