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Supply Corps Leadership Tackles Top Navy Issues

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080118-11
Release Date: 1/18/2008 2:36:00 PM

By Debbie Dortch, Naval Supply Systems Command Office of Corporate Communications

NORFOLK (NNS) -- All Navy Supply Corps admirals and captains gathered Jan. 15-17 in Norfolk to share insights from December's Navy Flag Officer and Senior Executive Service Training Symposium (NFOSES) and align the Supply Corps community with the Chief of Naval Operation's intentions to build the future force, maintain warfighting readiness, and develop and support Sailors and Navy civilians.

Rear Adm. Alan S. Thompson, SC, USN, commander, Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) and Chief of Supply Corps opened the symposium stating, "As a community, we need to ensure we are aligned with where the Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Roughead, is taking our Navy. We need to be powerful contributors to the success of this vision."

In addition to a focus on CNO's Guidance and our Maritime Strategy, the agenda included updates on the fiscal environment, the evolution of the Navy Enterprise construct, Navy Supply Corps engagement in joint logistics at several combatant commands, and a wide-ranging update and discussion of community issues.

Brig. Gen. David G. Reist, USMC, Assistant Deputy Commandant for Installations and Logistics said, "The world is changing. We have to be willing to change. We have to be willing to challenge," as he referenced tactical, operational and strategic logistics elements.

Several flag officer and captains serving in joint and combatant commander staff assignments shared their perspectives.

Vice Adm. Melvin G. Williams Jr., Deputy Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFF) spoke about the evolution, structure, and mission of USFF and how the Supply Corps can contribute to its mission success.

"The Supply Corps can continue to add value in Fleet Forces Command by providing a high-level of material support for our equipment and ensuring quality of life initiatives for our Sailors and their family members remain in the forefront," he emphasized. "Shifting to a healthy menu afloat and ashore is one example of this. It's important and we appreciate it."

Former U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Deployment and Distribution Operations Center Director Rear Adm. Mark D. Harnitchek, SC, USN, shared his experiences while in theater in Kuwait.

"This has been a great learning opportunity and a great opportunity for us to make a difference," he said, referencing the logistics knowledge he's gained controlling distribution and transportation of material throughout the CENTCOM area of operations.

"The symposium proved to be a valuable gathering and a great opportunity for learning and camaraderie," Thompson said. "I believe everybody walked away with new knowledge, clarification on the Supply Corps' road ahead, and a better understanding of joint operations among the forces. I'm confident the energy our senior leadership team takes back to their commands will go a long way in ensuring success of the CNO's vision. I couldn't have asked for a better outcome."

NAVSUP's primary mission is to provide U.S. naval forces with quality supplies and services. With headquarters in Mechanicsburg, Pa., and employing a worldwide workforce of more than 25,500 military and civilian personnel, NAVSUP oversees logistics programs in the areas of supply operations, conventional ordnance, contracting, resale, fuel, transportation, and security assistance. In addition, NAVSUP is responsible for quality of life issues for our naval forces, including food service, postal services, Navy Exchanges, and movement of household goods.

For more news from Naval Supply Systems, visit www.navy.mil/local/navsup/.