Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center (NAVSUP FLC) Norfolk hosted a four-day Navy Reserve Logistics Support Representative (RLSR) course, March 2-5, for global NAVSUP FLC Reservists.

Thirteen Sailors from five NAVSUP FLCs in Jacksonville, Florida; Norfolk; San Diego; Sigonella, Sicily; and Yokosuka, Japan, attended the NAVSUP Global Logistics Support (GLS)-established personnel qualification standards training which encompassed three levels -- apprentice, journeyman, and master RLSRs.

The 13 previously qualified apprentice RLSRs specifically concentrated on completing all required sections for the second phase, journeyman-level standard, with the goal of preparing course attendees for the final qualification board.

NAVSUP FLC Norfolk Command Evaluation Director Ray Denny is one of the founders of the NAVSUP GLS LSR program.

Denny, along with fellow NAVSUP FLC Norfolk Master LSRs Keith Durham, Theodore Jamison, and NAVSUP FLC Norfolk Logistics Support Center Director Lt. Tam Colbert, taught the course covering functional areas such as: ethics, FLC organizations, afloat supply department organization, logistics support center fundamentals, medical and pharmaceutical, husbanding support, and subsistence prime vendor.

"A little over 10 years ago I was asked to design the same qualifications for Navy Reservists, and we held our first-ever, two-week class in Yokosuka, Japan, with seven students," said Denny. "Today, we have nearly 1,000 qualified RLSRs at various levels enterprise-wide serving as the model oversight organization for global logistics."

Course attendees also learned about various computer-based logistics support systems such as One Touch Support, Enterprise Resource Planning, Automated Manifest System-Tactical and Joint Programs Remedy Service Management, each of which is critical for NAVSUP Logistics Response Teams.

"Using a continuous, process improvement mindset, we look for ways to make the course better in that we can support the fleet with the logistics tools needed to go to the sustain operational readiness," Denny added. "Recently, we added a brief section covering ethics as a reminder that as LSRs, we need to be continuously conscious of the logistics mission and our responsibilities to maintain the highest level of public confidence."

In addition to the classroom presentations, instructors from Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Distribution Norfolk provided an overview of local DLA operations, the Material Processing Center, and a walkthrough of its warehousing procedures.

Further course content included the NAVSUP FLC Norfolk Products and Services mission and supply-focused instruction of the Hazardous Minimization Center, the Advanced Traceability and Control Program, and the Military Postal System operations and procedures -- all part of the four-day training.

In addition, two Norfolk-based ships -- guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87) and amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LSD 3) -- hosted the 13 Sailors and coordinators. The shipboard tours allowed the RLSR trainees to interact with supply department personnel and to get a better understanding of NAVSUP FLC Norfolk's waterfront customers.

"This course is extremely beneficial," said Lt. Cmdr. Jim Burns, FLC Norfolk's Navy Reserve Det. operations officer.

Burns, who successfully completed his Master RLSR course recently along with the unit's Training Officer, Lt. Cmdr. Frank Brewster, noted, "This RLSR training over the last 18 months has definitely helped us be ready to support [the fleet], and it will certainly help me in preparing for my upcoming [individual augmentee assignment] in a few months."

"Congratulations to the 13 journeyman students who completed the course, as well as our two newest master RLSRs," said Capt. David E. Ludwa, Navy Reserve NAVSUP FLC Norfolk's commanding officer.

Ludwa added the increased knowledge and shipboard visits will ensure a successful and full integration of the Navy's Reserve LSR program in providing logistics support to the fleet worldwide.

"Additionally, I extend a special thanks to the Mason and Kearsarge supply departments for hosting the tours and providing these students with a perspective of the diverse range (medium-sized to a big-deck ship) of logistical customers," Ludwa added.

Denny said that watching the LSR training program grow over the years has been very rewarding for him.

"Watching the list of qualified LSRs and RLSRs grow, it's like watching your kids grow," he joked.

NAVSUP FLC Norfolk, one of eight fleet logistics centers under NAVSUP GLS, provides operational logistics, business, and support services to fleet, shore and industrial commands with 37 separate locations in three Navy regions.

NAVSUP GLS provides global logistics for a global Navy. The organization is made up of more than 6,300 military and civilian logistics professionals operating from 105 locations worldwide, providing an extensive array of integrated global logistics and contracting services to Navy, Marine Corps, joint operational units, and allied forces across all warfare enterprises.

For more NAVSUP GLS news, visit https://www.navsup.navy.mil/navsup/ourteam/navsupgls/news.

A component of the Naval Supply Systems Command headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, NAVSUP GLS is part of a worldwide logistics network of more than 22,500 military and civilian personnel providing combat capability through logistics.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Naval Supply Systems Command, visit www.navy.mil/.