Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Jacksonville introduced contracting personnel to life aboard San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS New York (LPD 21) at Naval Station (NAVSTA) Mayport, Florida, Dec. 2.

Twenty-five contracting officers, specialists, and interns assigned to NAVSUP FLC Jacksonville had a waterfront tour of the ship and NAVSTA Mayport. Most of the group said they had never been on a naval vessel.

Lt. Jide Delano, supply officer, and Lt. j.g. Joel Sam, assistant supply officer, USS New York, led two groups through living quarters, mess halls, storage bays, bridge and the landing deck.

"Shipboard life is different," said Delano. "Life onboard USS New York is similar to a self-contained city."

USS New York is filled with donated memorabilia infused with passion and spirit. Subway signs, posters, and sports paraphernalia represent the Empire State throughout the ship. As the tour culminated, one unique detail about New York left many in a state of awe.

"Salvaged steel from the rubble of the World Trade Center was melted and poured for the construction of the bow stem," said Delano. That detail is reflected in the motto of USS New York: "Strength forged through sacrifice. Never forget."

Contracting officers, specialists and interns agreed touring USS New York was beneficial.

"We can sit in an office and imagine how we affect the warfighter, but you have a different appreciation when you can see it in person," explained Francesca Jemmott, NAVSUP FLC Jacksonville contracting career field manager. "It makes the words on paper make sense. It gives you clarity into what you are actually contracting and how you, as a contract specialist, make a difference," she added.

NAVSUP FLC Jacksonville contracting officers, specialists, and interns provide more than 18,000 contracting actions annually with a value of $1.28 billion in support of Navy warfighters.

NAVSUP FLC Jacksonville delivers world-class, innovative, and unified operational logistics products and services for the Southeast Region and the U.S. Navy's 4th Fleet stakeholders ensuring mission integrity and operational readiness for the warfighter.

NAVSUP (FLC) Jacksonville, 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 is comprised 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 news and information about NAVSUP FLC Jacksonville, visit https://www.navsup.navy.mil/navsup/ourteam/navsupgls/navsupflcj or find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/navsupflcj

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