Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) members from locations around the world gathered for a Logistics Planner workshop onboard Naval Support Activity Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania April 15-19.

The training provided students with baseline knowledge in maritime logistics capabilities and limitations, along with practical exercises in development of logistics staff estimates, and operational orders’ logistics paragraphs and annexes. The class included active duty and Reserve military personnel, and civilian personnel who worked together to create a plan from a case study provided.  

The workshop fills the gaps in the planning process by helping students with their career progression in logistics. “This class is a stepping stone to help grow planners who understand their roles and the roles of the NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Centers (FLCs) in support of theater operational plans,” said Lt. Cmdr. Ruben Chavira, NAVSUP future operations officer/planner.

Chavira added that over the last several months, as a part of NAVSUP’s reform efforts to focus on developing and training people to be the next generation of leaders in sustainment, NAVSUP logisticians have been looking at FLC readiness and their ability to support major theater operational plans.

“The course is very realistic and shows situations we plan for day-to-day,” said Cmdr. Tom Gerstner, SC, USN, the course’s instructor and an instructor at the U.S. Naval War College. “It’s great teaching this group. They’re very engaged.”

Rear Adm. Michelle Skubic, Commander NAVSUP and 48th Chief of Supply Corps had an opportunity to address the class, “We need to have a planner operational focus from day one and build upon this skill set. Don’t let the learning stop here. Help develop solutions.”

"As a new member to the NAVSUP community, the Logistics Planner Course has been a tremendous introduction to the NAVSUP fleet logistics support planning processes and how they contribute to readiness and sustainment of the fleet, said Cmdr. Chris Bushhorn, NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support. The key planning principles are presented in a way that highlight the critical factors that must considered such as responsiveness, sustainability and feasibility.”

 “The NAVSUP Logistics Planner Course was outstanding. The overview of the planning process, in-depth review of the various areas of supply, working through staff-estimates, and problem-solving as a class expanded my knowledge of the big-picture process. The opportunities to level-set and network with members of various commands provided valuable insight into how the fleet operates and executes the planning process,” said Lt. Cmdr. Cara Howes, NR C7F Logistics Readiness Center.

NAVSUP plans to continue hosting this course periodically for military and civilian personnel to further enable NAVSUP, the Supply Corps, and the Navy to be best prepared for military operations in the context of great power competition.

Headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and employing a diverse, worldwide workforce of more than 22,500 military and civilian personnel, NAVSUP's mission is to provide supplies, services, and quality-of-life support to the Navy and joint warfighter.

Learn more at www.navsup.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/navsup and http://twitter.com/navsupsyscom.

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