Midshipmen from Mexico Engage in Subject-Matter Exchange at NASNI ASD

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Twenty-five midshipmen from the "Heroica Escuela Naval Militar" in Mexico engaged in a subject-matter exchange with Navy supply personnel at the aviation supply division (ASD) on Naval Air Station North Island, June 24.

The class of 25 midshipmen will become the first Supply Corps officers in the Mexican navy.

"It shows that their navy has a solid interest in building up a [Supply] Corps," said Lt. Cmdr. Daniel Betancourt, Navy section chief, Office of Defense Coordination. "With a Supply Corps, they will now be able to support more operations and work more closely with the [U.S.] Navy."

Betancourt explained that the midshipmen go through a specialized five year curriculum in logistics and receive a bachelor's degree when they graduate.
The midshipmen attended several briefs at ASD, which provided an overview of a range of topics including Officer Candidate School, U.S. Supply Corps operations and how individual commands handle supply requisitions.

"ASD manages the supply process, rather than fixing or repairing parts," said Chief Logistics Specialist Francis Soriano, senior enlisted advisor of ASD. "In our supply response section here, we handle customer service, delivery and expedite requisitions."

According to Betancourt, the midshipmen will also visit other commands during their three-week trip including Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 41 and the Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate USS Gary (FFG 51).

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