FISC Yokosuka logistics teams support POTUS visit to Western Pacific
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS101203-11
12/3/2010
By H. Sam Samuelson U.S. Fleet and Inudstrial Supply Center Yokosuka Public Affairs
YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- President Barack Obama's recent Western Pacific trip, reinforcing U.S. diplomacy efforts and economic interests, had 24/7 support from Fleet and Industrial Supply Center (FISC) Yokosuka, Nov. 9 to 14, during the Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) conference in Yokohama.
President Obama's APEC schedule demanded special, on-call fueling and refueling requirements provided by FISC Yokosuka's Site in Atsugi, Japan.
FISC refueling teams refueled the C-17's that carried not only specially equipped U.S. Secret Service ground vehicles but the pre-fueled Marine One presidential helicopter.
"When they needed fuel, we were there to top them off, day or night," said FISC Site Atsugi Fuels Responsible Officer Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Fuels) Chief Rammil Embile.
Obama's diplomatic visit to Jakarta – and premature departure due to a rapidly approaching volcanic ash cloud from recently erupted Mount Merapi – mandated a different and more flexible logistics effort supported by FISC Yokosuka's, Fleet Support Office (FSO), Jakarta.
Logistics Specialist First Class (SW) Mark Bettencourt, FISC's go-to logistics point of contact in Indonesia, provided the Joint Task Force – POTUS Support (JTF-PS) team with transportation contracting, lodging arrangements, expedited customs and immigration clearance, security access and locale briefing arrangements.
"Supporting the logistics needs for this Presidential visit was a real undertaking," Bettencourt said. "You're juggling services and coordinating with multiple agencies, all the while doing it with a sense of pride because you're supporting the President's diplomatic outreach and economic goals in the region. "You just want to get everything right," Bettencourt said.
The President visited Jakarta to join the President of the Republic of Indonesia Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in launching a U.S. – Indonesia Comprehensive Partnership.
In addition to support for the Commander-in-Chief and staff, Bettencourt's FSO coordinated U.S. Embassy Jakarta services for more than 100 other staff members of Joint Task Force POTUS Support (JTF-PS) and on-scene JTF platforms, USS Essex (LHD 2) and USS Halsey (DDG 97).
For the President and his staff, Bettencourt established a satellite post office at the Shangri la Hotel in downtown Jakarta, where the president and his wife, the First Lady of the United States (FLOTUS), Michelle, were staying.
"Meanwhile, we were also coordinating customs clearance, unloading, transfer and loading of materials from KC-130, CH-46, and CH-53 aircraft bound for the ships off Indonesia," Bettencourt said.
During the presidential stay, embassy staff members – including Bettencourt and family – were invited to a meeting room where the Commander-in-Chief entered to thank the staff for their dedication.
"He was sincere and said he appreciated everyone's effort to support his goals in the region, and then he said, 'well, that's about all I have,' then stepped off the platform to shake hands."
Bettencourt said that the President approached some family members, stopping first to put his arm around Bettencourt's daughter, 10-year-old Kayleen.
"He leaned over and said, 'cheese,' and I took a picture. My daughter was so thrilled she couldn't wait to show her friends."
On a personal level, it was a highlight for Bettencourt and his family. But Bettencourt said the true highlight of the visit was support he provided for the Commander-in-Chief.
For Bettencourt's efforts, Commander, JTF-PS, Rear Admiral Richard Landolt presented Bettencourt an on-the-spot Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, "for (his) brilliant, collaborative ability that was instrumental in the joint task force's support to a successful Presidential visit."
FISC Yokosuka Commanding Officer, Capt. Matt Feely agreed. "He is a recognized expert in country and well regarded by the embassy staff. We – and they – are fortunate to have a professional like Bettencourt on the FISC team."
Bettencourt has been stationed at FSO Jakarta located in the Embassy for five years. His is the only Navy logistics billet and it is located in the embassy.
"This billet is great for personnel who want to experience the culture. You're working out of the embassy. There is no base to depend on and you must interact with the community for everything."
Petty Officer Bettencourt has now had the pleasure of meeting two Presidents of the United States. He met then President George W. Bush in 2006.
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