Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Sigonella celebrated the establishment of the Expeditionary Contracting Support (ECS) Branch with a ribbon cutting ceremony onboard Naval Air Station Sigonella Dec. 9.

The ECS Branch consists of contracting specialists, some whom are deployable to provide assistance in forward deployed operations.

The primary responsibility of the ECS Branch is to contractually support Navy expeditionary activities within the Europe and Africa (EURAF) area of responsibility (AOR) for supplies and services under NAVSUP contracting authority.

The supplies and services consist of land transportation, heavy equipment, electrical power, communication services, petroleum, lodging, meal service, waste collection, pest control, bottled water, showers, latrine, and laundry.

The ECS Branch closely liaises with planners, attends pre-deployment briefs, and engages routine communications with Naval Special Warfare Units (NSWU), U.S. Special Operations Command Europe (SOCEUR), and U.S. Special Operations Command Africa (SOCAF) to ensure full support within the bounds of NAVSUP delegated procurement authority for all Navy exercises and deployments associated with non-established operations. The ECS Branch will also participate in post-deployment debriefs to identify any concerns and address lessons learned to ensure increased success in future expeditionary requirements.

"The investment in advanced planning and continuous communication with senior leaders will grow and improve support over time," said ECS Division Director Keely Pool.

The planning phase of the Saharan Express, Cutlass Express, and Obangame Express 2016 exercises are underway and the ECS Branch is actively engaged with Navy expeditionary activities that will facilitate and execute the exercises.

The ultimate goal of the ECS Branch is to build consistent relationships with Navy expeditionary activities to allow them to operate seamlessly with confidence within the EURAF AOR.

NAVSUP FLC Sigonella, one of eight fleet logistics centers under NAVSUP Global Logistics Support (GLS), provides global logistics, business and support services to fleet, shore and industrial commands of the Navy, Coast Guard, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army 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 6,500 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 news from Naval Supply Systems Command, visit www.navy.mil/.