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Collaboration to Provide Waterfront Maintenance at Best Cost

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090812-26
Release Date: 8/12/2009 4:21:00 PM

By Heather Paynter, Fleet and Industrial Supply Center San Diego Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Collaborative efforts between Fleet and Industrial Supply Center (FISC) San Diego and the Southwest Regional Maintenance Center (SWRMC) have resulted in cost avoidances of up to $3 million per year as well as a streamlined process of the supply and repair function overall.

The working partnership also ensures continuity in waterfront fleet operations for San Diego-based Navy ships.

FISC San Diego logistics support personnel are embedded within SWRMC to order replacement parts and monitor waterfront fleet maintenance and sustainability; a bilateral function that defies the stereotype of supply chain managers whose sole responsibility may be viewed as simply ordering parts for an organization. In contrast, these logisticians operate as virtually seamless assets within the framework of SWRMC where their expertise runs the gamut from researching the correct part or device to the actual ordering, delivery and sustainment of reparative materials.

"We provide the parts, but our role in managing configuration is the nucleus that drives everything in terms of the technical and logistical side," said Jimmie Elkins, deputy director for Integrated Logistics Support.
"Ensuring ships have the correct configuration is wrapped up in a package that includes the training, parts, sustainment, technical manuals and the overall schematics and/or planning for continued maintenance."

For example, as USS Peleliu (LHA 5) undergoes a major availability through the end of August, FISC San Diego port logisticians like Richard Monahan oversee parts support while researching the most cost-effective measures to achieve the best result. He and his team also take a proactive stance when assessing the status of a deploying or returning ship.

"We examine a ship's record and see what may be needed before it becomes an emergency," Monahan said. "We work to keep the ships repaired and save on costs. This way, we can make even more repairs."

On average, cost-saving alternatives derived from research, patience and frugal business practices have resulted in saved money and time. Logisticians also have access to a nationwide database of parts, which could potentially save additional money and free up funds for other uses.

The streamlining of ordering and follow-on maintenance has evolved over the course of seven years, with this FISC San Diego team having served as the architects and subject matter experts from the beginning.