History Channel will air SDDC port, rail operations.

As the equipment of the 4th Infantry Division just back from Operation Iraqi Freedom rolls off the deck of the USNS Bellatrix, all in America will have an opportunity to see it.

That is because the May 24-equipment discharge by the 842nd Transportation Battalion and "Team Beaumont" at the port of Beaumont, Texas, was videotaped for an upcoming presentation of the History Channel cable television network.

TV producer Rick Heeger and a crew of four Austin, Texas-based freelancers videotaped rail operations associated with the discharge of the vessel for a September show on the popular channel for the series "Tactical to Practical." The series showcases military innovations that are transformed to civilian uses.

Heeger works for Edelman Productions, of Oakland, Calif.

"I'm a little overwhelmed by the cooperative spirit here," said Heeger, working on his fifth Tactical to Practical television production in his 18-months employment with the company.

"The support here is fantastic."

Port of Beaumont communications director John Roby provided Heeger and his crew VIP treatment in the port work area, and a complimentary lunch. In addition, Beaumont-Port Author TV station KBMT interviewed Heeger on his project.

"Not my normal working experience," said Heeger, with a smile.

Fran Willis, 842nd distribution manager, provided escort for the television crew.

"This is a great change-of-pace," said Willis. "For the last five months it has been nonstop."

In the first 24 days of May, Team Beaumont has worked 11 different ships at the port, she said. Eleven vessels were offloaded and one was loaded with new cargo.

"We moved 2,200 pieces of equipment from May 3-10," said Willis. "That was our surge."

The crew's interviews included questions to Lt. Col. Brian Sundin, 842nd commander.

"What we have is replicated at 18 strategic ports across the country," said Sundin.

"Two-thirds of port cargo moves by rail. Here in Beaumont, we have a 50-year history working with the port of Beaumont. We are served by three railroads here: Union Pacific, Kansas City Southern, and The Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Company."

Many of the Army's heavy armored units are in the nation's mid continent, he said. These units are at such installations as Fort Hood, Texas; Fort Bliss, Texas; Fort Riley, Kan.; and Fort Carson, Col.

"Bottom line," said Sundin, "Operation Iraqi Freedom could not have happened without the railroads.

"With the sheer volume of cargo with timelines, we couldn't have done it without the railroads. You rely on the railroads to shuttle it and bring it to the port. As equipment comes back, you do it in a reverse fashion."

Many specifics of rail movement were provided by John Keigley, director of unit operations, The Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Company, of Fort Worth, Texas.

"We serve military installations like Fort Hood, Texas, and Fort Lewis, Washington," said Keigley. "Typically, we get two weeks advance notice on equipment and destinations."

New electronics have heightened train safety, said Keigley. Trackside devices can now detect such potential emergency issues as overheated bearings or defective wheels on train cars.

Railroad operations for SDDC are typically organized by a conference call to the three or four involved railroads in a move, said Keigley.

"What does the cargo of one train represent?" asked Keigley.

"It is cargo for 240 trucks or one train."

(At press time, the show is scheduled to run Sept. 14 at 8 p.m. Heeger says check your television listings closely to ensure a correct airtime.)

John Randt, Director, Command Affairs SDDC HQ Alexandria