Around 80 helicopters landed in the parking lot at Whataburger Field Sept. 19, awaiting shipment to Europe out of Port Corpus Christi. Photos by Angela Sciantarelli
Much like the raptors that migrate through Corpus Christi each year, another big bird has swooped in and landed for a short stay by the sea this fall. The sounds of 80 military helicopters echoed through the skies over Corpus Christi recently as they landed in the parking lot at Whataburger Field.
The choppers flew in from Fort Hood to be shipped overseas to Europe from Port Corpus Christi. They are part of a transport of 1,500 pieces of military equipment moving through the port over the next few weeks.
Along with the equipment, about 1,900 soldiers from the 1st Air Cavalry Bridgade, 1st Cavalry Division are being deployed from Fort Hood to Europe. They are replacing the 10th Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division. Their mission is to support combatant commander requirements for the U.S. European Command’s Operation Atlantic Reserve.
Originally intended to ship out of the Beaumont port, the soldiers and equipment were sent to Corpus Christi after Hurricane Harvey. While the helicopters flew into the area, some of the equipment will be arriving by train and cargo ship.
