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FISC Logistics Experts Provide Critical Distance Support Services to Deployed Units

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090327-22
Release Date: 3/27/2009 3:27:00 PM

From Commander, Fleet and Industrial Supply Centers Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The U.S. Fleet and Industrial Supply Center (FISC) Detachment Marianas provided rapid, efficient logistics support to USS Boxer (LHD 4) Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) in preparation for the ARG's port visit to Naval Base Guam Feb. 5.

This Distance Support initiative eliminated the need for a beach detachment, which involves shipboard supply personnel traveling ashore in advance of a ship's arrival to satisfy logistics requirements.

"It's Rear Admiral Thomas Traaen's [Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics Fleet Supply and Ordnance] vision to have a 'zero beach det' footprint on Guam," explained Capt. Michael Uva, officer in charge of FISC Detachment Marianas. "As a result of the admiral's vision, which is part of the developing Distance Support initiatives in the Western Pacific, the ARG beach detachment responsibilities were transferred to FISC's Logistics Support Operations."

Distance support is rapidly becoming the fleet's principal Web-based readiness enabler, facilitating timely technical assistance and logistics operations. This critical capability remotely projects reactive, proactive and predictive logistics support to Sailors in order to achieve the right readiness at the right time and at the right cost.

The distance support provided by FISC Detachment Marianas directly impacted fleet readiness by allowing ship personnel to focus on performing their primary responsibilities while the FISC handled the logistics support tasks associated with preparing for the ship's arrival in port.

"The value of logistics support representatives is immeasurable," said FISC Detachment Marianas Logistics Support Center Director Lt. j.g. William Buffington. "They hold the key to supporting the fleet in a timely, efficient and cost effective manner while reducing the workload on the ship-based supply department allowing them to focus on daily operations."

Distance Support is a Navy Enterprise effort that combines people, processes and technology into a collaborative network without regard to geographic location. This capability is critical as the Navy explores alternatives to operating at sea with fewer Sailors, and develops a common infrastructure to support both new and legacy platforms.

Boxer, the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit and five other ships homeported in San Diego, which comprise the Boxer ARG, left San Diego Jan. 9 for a scheduled seven-month deployment to the Western Pacific and Persian Gulf regions.

Commander, Fleet and Industrial Supply Centers (COMFISCS)provides an array of integrated global logistics and contracting services to Navy and Joint operational units across all warfare enterprises.

COMFISCS is also responsible for facilitating best business practices and efficiencies across the seven FISCs located in San Diego; Norfolk; Jacksonville, Fla.; Yokosuka, Japan; Pearl Harbor; Bremerton (Puget Sound), Wash.; and Sigonella, Italy; and for optimizing the performance of base supply functions and standardizing levels of service across 13 regions and 79 Navy installations.

COMFISCS comprises more than 7,500 military and civilian logistics professionals, operating as a single cohesive team providing global logistics services from nearly 135 locations worldwide.

A component of the Naval Supply Systems Command, headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pa., COMFISCS is part of a worldwide logistics network of more than 25,000 military and civilian personnel providing combat capability through logistics.

For more news from Commander, Fleet and Industrial Supply Centers, visit www.navy.mil/local/comfisc/.