FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. – US Transportation Command recently awarded the 28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade a Deployment Excellence Award for their performance in the fiscal year 2020 during the brigade's deployment to the Middle East in support of Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Spartan Shield.

The TRANSCOM Mobility Award narrative says, "deploying a National Guard aviation brigade encompassing units from many different states is a difficult task under normal circumstances. The added criteria of COVID-19 restrictions, including canceled drill periods, restrictions on the unit's ability to assemble load teams at home station, reduced staffing, and transitions to telework within the transportation enterprise, increased the planning factors and added to the complexity of the operation. The 28th ECAB's ability to successfully deploy without frustrated cargo or personnel in this challenging environment, without any COVID-19 contamination is a testament to the unit's preparation and execution of brigade mobility operations."

According to an All Army Activities message, ALARACT 051/2021, the 28th ECAB won the "Deploying Large NGB" category award.

"Your selection indicates that you are the best in the Army. The outstanding logistics program in your organization or unit has significantly improved the Army's overall readiness posture," said the ALARACT message. "It articulates what we must do to win – winning matters!"

TRANSCOM is one of 11 unified combatant commands of the Department of Defense. They coordinate transportation missions worldwide and provide mobility solutions. The purpose of the Deployment Excellence Award is to recognize Army units for outstanding accomplishments which meet or exceed deployment standards.

The 28th ECAB's 628th Aviation Support Battalion was also recognized as the 2021 Outstanding Logistics Support Unit of the Year by the Aviation Association of America.