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Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group Takes No Chances with Earl

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100901-10
9/1/2010

By Chief Mass Communication Officer Lucy M. Quinn, Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group Public Affairs

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (NNS) -- As Hurricane Earl makes its way up the East Coast toward Hampton Roads, Va., safety preparations by Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group (NAVELSG), Cheatham Annex, include breaking down the entire tent camp that is used for training.

More than 40 Sailors participated in the one-day marathon effort: dismantling 34 tents, breaking down power grids and lighting in all the tents, and removing flooring in a third of the tents. Additionally, plumbing in showers, bathrooms, and kitchen facilities was dismantled, packed and stored.

Logistics and cargo handling is the NAVELSG specialty, and this is just one example of when their extensive training pays-off.

"This type of scenario is incorporated into our operational risk management plan," said Capt. Matthew Hellman, Deputy Commander, NAVELSG. "You can never ignore the threat of a hurricane and the potential damage it could do. We made the event a positive experience by capitalizing on the training opportunity it provided in the rapid, but organized, breakdown of the camp; skills we don't get to practice very often."

The items were packed into eight 20-foot containers and, along with standalone items such as generators, moved to a secure location on the base. Forklifts, trucks, storage containers and significant manpower were needed to get the job done ahead of Hurricane Earl.

"It normally takes about two weeks and 600 man-hours to setup the 2.5 acre tent camp facility." said Lt. Mike Streckert, Equipment Officer, NAVELSG. "But it's better to take it down now and not risk the equipment."

Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group delivers expeditionary logistics capabilities with mobilization-ready Navy Reserve Forces and active duty Sailors.

NAVELSG provides a wide range of supply and transportation functions critical for peacekeeping, crisis response, humanitarian, and combat service support missions.

NAVELSG is part of Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC), a global force provider of adaptive force packages of expeditionary capabilities to joint war fighting commanders.