Navy Supply Systems Command Global Logistics Support (NAVSUP GLS) will monitor current El Nino weather patterns throughout 2016, with an eye on how warming of the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean will impact the command's ability to provide worldwide critical logistics support.

"The fleet counts on us to be ready and flexible to support operations around the globe and around the clock," said Rear Adm. James McNeal, commander, NAVSUP GLS. "Reviewing our policies and getting prepared now will minimize the impact of El Niño related events on our ability to provide global logistics support."

According to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), El Niño is an anomalous, yet periodic, warming of the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean. For reasons still not well understood, every 2-7 years, this patch of ocean warms for six to 18 months and affects worldwide weather patterns. The current El Niño is expected to last until spring 2016.

"Now is the time for us to get prepared," said NAVSUP GLS Director Logistics Operations Bong Cabling. "We need to ensure that we're ready to provide continuity of operations (COOP) in case of an emergency and that our workforce has current information in the Navy Family Accountability and Assessment System (NFAAS) in case of an emergency."

NAVUP GLS has directed its eight FLCs around the world to review destructive weather policies on the bases where they operate and practice transitioning from automated to manual COOP. The FLCs are located in Manama, Bahrain; Jacksonville, Florida; Norfolk, Virginia; Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; Puget Sound, Washington; San Diego, California; Sigonella, Italy; and Yokosuka, Japan.

The command expects its NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Centers (FLCs) in Pearl Harbor, Puget Sound, San Diego and Yokosuka will be most impacted by weather that could include greater rainfall and typhoon activity in the eastern Pacific.

Cabling concluded that communications during any weather challenges is key to safety and continued success.

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.

The eight worldwide FLCs provide operational logistics and business support services to Navy, Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command and other Joint and Allied Forces. Products and services include contracting, fuels, global logistics, hazardous material management, household goods, integrated logistics support, material management, postal, regional transportation and warehousing.

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