Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center (NAVSUP FLC) San Diego celebrated the complete replacement of its San Clemente Island fuel facility during a ribbon cutting ceremony July 6.

The ceremony commemorated the conclusion of Military Construction Project (MILCON) P-704F, a $31 million project replacing fuel storage facilities and pipeline slated to ensure Navy aircraft will have the essential fueling support they need to keep flying into the foreseeable future.

The Navy-owned, coastal California island serves as a live-fire range and research facility, playing a pivotal role in tactical training for both fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft squadrons assigned to Navy Region Southwest. As a result, enhanced aircraft fueling capabilities are a critical component of mission success.

"Fuel is one of the most essential resources for military forces in every theater and corner of the globe today," said Commander, NAVSUP Global Logistics Support Rear Adm. James McNeal. "The fueling facilities in the Southwest region, in particular, service one of the largest concentrations of naval forces in the world. To ensure the facility maintained optimal support levels to the fleet while also mitigating impact to the environment during such substantial construction is a very significant achievement."

"The success of this project is testament to the fantastic working relationship between NAVSUP and Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC)," continued McNeal. "I'd like to thank Rear Adm. Bret Muilenburg (commander, NAVFAC), and his entire team at NAVFAC Southwest."

During the three-year MILCON, three subterranean JP-5 jet fuel tanks were replaced with new, state-of-the art, 100,000 gallon above-ground tanks. A new pump house and pump room also complement the innumerable upgrades to the facility's fire suppression systems, truck fill stands, and leak detection systems. The intensive construction project essentially replaced an aging fuel facility with the cutting-edge, safety and mission-focused modernizations it needs to provide unparalleled warfighter support.

"It is noteworthy to consider the nature and number of tactical flight operations this facility supports," said NAVSUP FLC San Diego Commanding Officer Rear Adm. (Select) John Palmer. "The execution and ultimate success of each of those evolutions hinges on the ability of this facility and its staff to keep them ready, fueled and flying."

The San Clemente Island fuel facility issues in excess of 80,000 gallons of jet fuel each month for hundreds of Navy, joint service and allied forces aircraft.

As part of the Navy's ongoing commitment to the environment, much of the project was planned and executed according to "green building" guidelines. Those initiatives, in turn, led to the facility's current consideration for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) silver certification for groundbreaking efforts in environmental responsibility.

"To have such a busy fuel facility undergo a construction project of this magnitude -- while still meeting all mission requirements in supporting aggressive warfighter training -- speaks volumes about the caliber of personnel we have on the job," said Palmer. "Everyone involved, from our civil service and military personnel to our trusted contractor partners, has certainly gone above and beyond in ensuring this project resulted in success. I am certain I speak for America's warfighters when I thank them for their tireless efforts and congratulate them on a job well done."

NAVSUP FLC San Diego, one of eight fleet logistics centers under NAVSUP Global Logistics Support (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.

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