FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 5, 2017
Port of Gulfport Facilitates First Military Deployment Under Strategic Port Designation
(Gulfport, Miss) – On Saturday, July 15, 2017 the Port of Gulfport assisted the U.S. military in the deployment of equipment aboard the USNS Spearhead destined for Central America. This historic partnership between the Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport and the Port represented the first deployment from Gulfport since it was designated as one of the nation’s 17 strategic ports in November 2015.
The Port’s Strategic Seaport Designation was supported by a rigorous assessment of plausible military requirements on the Gulf Coast, which validated that the designation of Gulfport would successfully mitigate any shortfalls. The Port’s central location in the southeastern defense corridor provides military installations, such as the Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport, with direct on-dock rail service and quick access to the major East/West Corridor of Interstate 10 and open ocean waters.
“This historic deployment was a unique opportunity for the Port of Gulfport to showcase our capabilities, while also serving our military in a strategic and financially strong capacity,” said Port Executive Director and CEO Jonathan Daniels. “Our close proximity to the Seabee Base has proven to be a viable asset to the military and will continue to be a cost-effective solution for their operations.”