Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Yokosuka leadership recently recognized two of its U.S. Marines as the first Marines to achieve Master Logistics Support Representative (LSR) certification during an awards ceremony Oct. 28.

Gunnery Sgt. Allen Cayabyab, NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka Marine Liaison senior noncommissioned officer-in-charge and Gunnery Sgt. David Carter-Perkins, who recently transferred from the command after years of dedicated service, became the first Marines to achieve such a milestone.

"I feel proud to have been one of the very first U.S. Marines because I was able to provide logistic support to combined Navy and Marine units during Joint exercises throughout the AOR (area of responsibility)," said Cayabyab. "I've encountered many logisticians with can do attitudes that I am grateful for working with and I am fortunate enough to have spent the time to gain the experience and knowledge at NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka."

LSR leaders within the organization understand the significance of this achievement as well.

"Attaining Master LSR certification requires not only knowledge of Navy logistics processes as tested before an oral board composed of Master LSRs and key members of the chain of command, but also requires experience to effectively coordinate and conduct logistics operations ashore in support of an afloat unit," said Fred Beredo, NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka logistics support manager and lead LSR. "Both Marines did just that."

As an integral part of NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka operations, Marines deploy regularly in support of major naval exercises and contingencies as LSRs and as members of Logistics Response Teams (LRTs). They coordinate the flow of high priority material, conduct mail and cargo load outs, assist in validating husbanding related services and conduct beach detachment operations in support of Amphibious Ready Groups and multi-ship operations.

"As LSRs, they are essentially an extension of the ship's supply department operating ashore," said Beredo.

In addition to the two Marines, Logistics Specialist 1st Class Edward Cook, NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka, Site Sasebo Sailor was also awarded his Master LSR certificate Nov. 3 in Sasebo, Japan.

The working knowledge and achievement of these Marines and Sailor reflects NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka's forward leaning presence in the 7th Fleet AOR as logistics enablers in support of the warfighter.

"It makes me feel proud to have reached this pinnacle and achievement in my career because I know I have the tools to perform in higher positions and greater responsibilities," said Cayabyab." I will be able to extend my LSR knowledge in any direction."

NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka, one of eight fleet logistics centers under NAVSUP Global Logistics Support (GLS), is the Western Pacific region's largest U.S. Navy logistics command, headquartered just 26 miles due south of Tokyo, the enterprise networks more than 20 sites and fuel terminals from Misawa, Japan, to Sydney, Australia; Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean to Guam with a mission to serve the Asia Pacific Region's forward deployed maritime Warfighter with 24/7 operational logistics support integrating an extensive service provider network to deliver fuel, material, mail and supply chain services across the U.S. Navy's largest geographical area of responsibility.

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