October 22, 2016 –
PORT HUENEME, Calif. – Capt. Raymond Jorden, 481st Transportation Company (Heavy Boat) commander, conducted a mobilization ceremony at Pacific Park on the Naval Base Ventura County at Port Hueneme October 22, where he honored Chief Warrant Officer 2 Karl Irvin, Detachment 5 commander and chief engineer, and Warrant Officer 1 Dallas Hill, Detachment 2 commander and vessel master, before they mobilized to Kuwait.
The 481st Transportation Company (Heavy Boat) will be deploying to Kuwait to support war fighters in that area of operation, with basic logistical and maintenance skills that will be conducted at various naval ports.
On a beautiful California day, the weather was perfect as the sunny day welcomed the dozens of family members who came the bid their love ones’ farewell and good luck.
Special guests included Col. Jon Hewitt, 311th Expeditionary Sustainment Command deputy commander, Col. Toni Glover, 650th Regional Support Group commander, Lt. Col. Thomas J. Harzewski, 483rd Terminal Battalion commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Donald Seay, 483rd TC BN command sergeant major.
In his impassioned remarks Seay said, “I have seen you young Soldiers grow into an impressive fighting force and I’m sorry I won’t be here when you return because I’m moving on to another assignment, but I know you will exceed all of my expectations.”
Irwin and Hill will lead 35 Soldiers on this mobilization to Kuwait, but first they must first travel to Fort Hood, where they will receive training in preparation to go downrange.
“Our mission is to support war fighters and supply basic logistical and maintenance skills to a variety of naval ports,” said Irwin. “Our unit has deployed many times and I’m sure we will fulfill our mission and return safely.”
Also supporting this ceremony was Marcella Franklin, American Red Cross regional program manager, who addressed all of the unit’s family members, explaining to them all of their benefits and informing them on how to contact their love ones in time of crisis.
The 481st TC (Heavy Boat) unit mobilized and deployed three heavy boat detachments from 2003 to 2006. They also deployed in 2011, 2012, 2013, deploying detachments to Kuwait in support Operation Enduring Freedom. This unit has been awarded a meritorious unit citation.
The Transportation Corps is a combat service support branch of the U.S. Army and is headquartered at Fort Lee, Virginia. At the end of the ceremony, the unit sang their transportation corps song.