Florida visits Augusta Bay

SIGONELLA, Sicily (NNS) -- Sailors from Navy Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Sigonella provided high priority Casualty Repair (CASREP) parts to the Ohio-class guided-missile submarine USS Florida (SSGN 728) during a recent brief stop for passenger to NATO Pier, Augusta Bay, May 29.

Logistics Specialist 1st Class (AW) Richard Fox, Logistics Support Center (LSC), NAVSUP FLC Sigonella, emphasised the importance for his team to go to Augusta Bay when fleet units arrive, as it is the easiest way for the ships to take on provisions, mail and parts.

"When ships are transiting through the Med., to wherever it is that they're going, they need to resupply," Fox said. "Sigonella is the hub out here for providing materials to the fleet and without that support they won't get their required items to conduct their operations. Our mission is to support the fleet units when called upon."

Logistics Specialist Seaman Kristan Marks, LSC division, has made numerous trips to the NATO Pier, August Bay to aid in replenishments since arriving at NAVSUP FLC Sigonella two years ago.

"I always love the trips to A-Bay [Augusta Bay]," she added. "Just knowing that we are able to assist other Sailors who are traveling around the Mediterranean makes my job a lot easier. We get to ride out on the water taxi's and sometimes I feel like I'm actually headed underway and a part of the fleet side of the Navy. We are an extension of the Supply Department onboard those ships and submarines".

Logistics Specialist 2nd Class David Outlaw, Priority Material Office (PMO), also enjoys the trips to Augusta Bay and thinks that providing CASREP parts to the Florida was an important part of NAVSUP FLC Sigonella's mission to the fleet.

"Our mission is to track all high priority material to the units deployed to the 6th Fleet area of operations," Outlaw said. "I'm excited about today's trip because it gives me an opportunity to interact with the fleet customer while delivering critical materials to support their day to day missions."

The USS Florida, homeported in Kings Bay, Ga., is currently deployed, conducting maritime operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet of responsibility.


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