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Total Force Comes Together for Logistics Ceremony

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090515-19
Release Date: 5/15/2009 5:24:00 PM

By Debra Perry, Defense Supply Center Columbus Public Affairs

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (NNS) -- Employees from Fleet and Industrial Supply Center (FISC) Norfolk got a new employer when the Navy transferred the supply, storage and distribution site to Defense Logistics Agency's (DLA) Defense Supply Center Columbus (DSCC) during an activation ceremony held in Portsmouth, Va., May 4.

The transfer is part of a 2005 Base Realignment and Closure decision that directed all supply, storage and distribution functions at service-run maintenance depots, industrial sites and shipyards be transferred to DLA to optimize military readiness.

The former FISC Norfolk workforce of 222 civilians and 31 military members will remain at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard Annex in Portsmouth, now called the DLA Norfolk Naval Shipyard, and will continue their mission to provide quality logistics support services.

"I want to personally thank this darn-near perfect supply team for all of their hard work during the past 13 years," said FISC Norfolk Executive Director Sidnia Etherington. "You have made this transition look transparent as you continued to perform professionally and meet the needs of your customers."

"What better place to initiate this new relationship than right here in Portsmouth at the Navy's oldest shipyard, that actually pre-dates the United States Navy Department by 31 years," said Army Brig. Gen. Patricia McQuistion, DSCC commanding general. "You have a tradition of professional leadership through hard work and innovation that speaks volumes about your integrity."

McQuistion assured the Navy customers that the transition will be nearly seamless and the leadership of DSCC and Norfolk is committed to maintaining high levels of customer service.

The passing of the DLA flag from McQuistion to Cmdr. William Nash, former head of the FISC Norfolk Annex, symbolized the activation of the DLA Norfolk Naval Shipyard organization. The transition was complete when Nash received the command ashore pin from his wife.

"I want to thank everyone involved with the activation ceremony and the Code 500 workforce, whose professionalism and dedication made my job easier," said Nash.

Following the ceremony, the Norfolk Naval Shipyard team hosted a reception to meet and greet their new DLA family.

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 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/.