Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center (NAVSUP FLC) Norfolk provided critical logistical support to prepare ships for deployment in support of humanitarian relief efforts for damage caused by Hurricane Matthew Oct. 5.

The first ship to arrive on station, amphibious transport dock USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), arrived off the coast of Haiti Oct. 10.

In addition, NAVSUP FLC Norfolk provided logistical support to ships that sortied from the area, away from the storm.

According to NAVSUP FLC Norfolk Commanding Officer Capt. Jack Moreau, the command's efforts included fueling, loading provisions, insuring proper mail service and delivery of additional pack-up kits for aviation assets responding to Matthew.

"I'm very proud of the efforts of our team," said Moreau. "Supporting the fleet, particularly in operations like these, is why we are here."

According to Fuel Department Director Kevin Henderson, the fuel operation at NAVSUP FLC Norfolk continued its routine mission and picked up additional short notice requirements for Military Sealift Command fast combat support ship USNS Supply (T-AOE 6), hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), and littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8). Those three additional ships took on more than 6 million gallons of fuel.

"Prior planning enabled us to prepare and to continue our fueling mission simultaneously," said Henderson. "Everything we did to get ready takes time and manpower. Without prior planning, you don't have enough of either."

Henderson added his department positioned submersible pumps in critical areas, positioned fuel barges in areas designed to best ride out the storm, and moved fuel using barges and trucks to area bases.

According to Operations Department Director Cmdr. Fred Crawford, NAVSUP FLC Norfolk coordinated with Fleet Forces Command, NAVSUP Global Logistics Support (GLS), and Navy Region Mid-Atlantic to ensure aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), Mesa Verde, and Comfort had the provisions and parts required to deploy for the humanitarian relief mission.

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 of the Navy, Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command, and other joint and allied forces. Services include contracting, regional transportation, fuel, material management, household goods movement support, postal and consolidated mail, warehousing, global logistics and husbanding, hazardous material management, and integrated logistics support.

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.

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 information on Naval Supply Systems Command Global Logistics Support, visit http://www.navsup.navy.mil/navsup/ourteam/navsupgls/news/ or http://www.facebook.com/navsupgls/.