1097th Transportation Company (Medium Boat)

• World War II Origins: The 1097th Transportation Company (Medium Boat) traces its lineage to World War II, when it was constituted as part of the U.S. Army Transportation Corps, providing critical logistical support for amphibious operations. • Korean War Service: The unit played a significant role in the Korean War, transporting troops, equipment, and supplies along the Korean coastline and supporting numerous amphibious landings. • Vietnam War Deployments: The 1097th was deployed to Vietnam, where its crews operated landing craft and provided riverine transport, often in hazardous conditions under enemy fire. • Operation Desert Storm: Members of the 1097th supported logistics operations during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, moving essential cargo and equipment in the Persian Gulf region. • Hurricane Katrina Response: The unit was mobilized to assist in disaster relief following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, using their boat assets to reach flooded areas inaccessible by road. • Unique Vessel Inventory: The 1097th operates LCM-8 "Mike Boats," which can carry up to 60 tons of cargo, including vehicles, containers, and personnel directly to unimproved shorelines. • Joint Operations: The unit has frequently worked alongside the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and allied nations during joint exercises worldwide, enhancing interoperability and amphibious capabilities. • Home Base: The 1097th is headquartered at Joint Base Balad, Iraq (during deployment), but its peacetime home is typically in the United States, often at a major port or near large waterways. • Combat Patch Recognition: Soldiers of the 1097th proudly wear the combat patch of the unit they served under during deployment, a tradition honoring their service in combat zones. • Modern Missions: Today, the 1097th continues to support Army and joint force operations, providing vital waterborne transportation in both peacetime training and real-world missions, including humanitarian aid and disaster response.