NAVSUP GLS Adopts Services of NAVSUP Logistics Operations Center

By H. Sam Samuelson, NAVSUP GLS Director, Corporate Communication

NORFOLK (NNS) -- San Diego-based NAVSUP Global Logistics Support (GLS) absorbed the transportation and distribution, ammunition handling, and logistics coordinating services of the NAVSUP Logistics Operations Center (LOC) during an official command disestablishment ceremony May 7.

While NAVSUP LOC is no longer a formal command, the services, service locations, and a majority of the experts of the former NAVSUP LOC remain unchanged. The integration with NAVSUP GLS helps consolidate NAVSUP GLS's role providing a "single face to the fleet," said NAVSUP GLS Vice Commander Bill Bickert.

"This is a vital and evolutionary next step in integrated logistics management that enhances our goal to present a single face to the customer," Bickert said. "Today's transition recognizes the speed and the agility with which we in Navy logistics management will react to a rapidly changing global security and naval operational environment."

The disestablishment ceremony was held at the former NAVSUP LOC offices in Norfolk. In a nod to operational flexibility, the Commander, NAVSUP GLS, Rear Adm. Jon Yuen, attended the ceremony via video teleconference (VTC) while he continues to serve a temporary assignment as director of the U.S. Central Command Deployment and Distribution Operations Center (CDDOC) in Kuwait.

Local keynote speaker was Commander, Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) and Chief of Supply Corps, Rear Admiral Mark F. Heinrich.

"For NAVSUP, this relationship aligns all of our operational logistics functions and the tactical delivery of logistics services performed by NAVSUP under a single Echelon III command for the purpose of creating a single entity, command structure, and face to the customer," Heinrich said. "I am confident this consolidation will result in greater service to the fleet by maximizing NAVSUP Global Logistics Support command's agility and responsiveness. At the same time, we will see greater efficiency through consolidated efforts, all supporting the CNO's Sailing Directions, 'Warfighting First, Operate Forward, and Be Ready!'"

NAVSUP LOC's former commanding officer, Capt. James L. Shields III, lauded employees for their devoted service to the command and said he looked forward to their continued work joining the next generation of logistics management integration as members of NAVSUP GLS.

"You have performed admirably and can all be justifiably proud of your accomplishments," Shields said to assembled employees, including many from various satellite locations listening in via VTC. "You can also be proud to join the NAVSUP GLS team; I am confident the NAVSUP GLS team will be proud to welcome you."

Bickert echoed Shields' comments and said he looked forward to working with the staff.

"I want to recognize the historic value of this transition and the pride all of us at NAVSUP GLS share bringing onboard such a superb and pedigreed group of professionals, nothing less than an all-American group of patriots whose global achievements precede them, and whose tremendous experience will be most welcome at NAVSUP GLS," Bickert said.

As the ceremony wrapped, Bickert reminded attendees that the integration sends a vital message to the fleet.

"What we accomplished today demonstrates to our operational partners in the fleet that we are ready and able to meet their total logistics demands swiftly, efficiently and without fail. Our integration is one more key element in our Navy's overall capabilities to react immediately to an asymmetric security environment."