SDDC unit moves from Puerto Rico to Jacksonville, Fla.
The U.S. military’s Surface Deployment and Distribution Command will relocate the 832nd Transportation Battalion from Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico, to Jacksonville, Fla.
“Jacksonville made the most sense,” said Lt. Col. Paul Giovino, commander, in a statement. “It is one of the best strategic ports because of its enormous size and the road and rail infrastructure.”
Jacksonville is one of the SDDC’s 18 U.S. strategic seaports. Last year was one of the busiest for military movements out of Jacksonville, according to the SDDC (formerly the Military Traffic Management Command). Fifty military cargo ships visits were recorded at the port, and 4.3 million square feet of cargo departed on vessels to support Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The 832nd is one of 12 SDDC battalions worldwide. The unit’s move from Puerto Rico to Jacksonville will be finished in May, the SDDC said.