Aircraft carrier USS George Washington's (CVN 73) Supply department works day in and day out, ensuring Washington Sailors stay mission-ready throughout the ship's Southern Seas 2015 deployment.

Washington's Supply department is responsible for more than $500 million in parts inventory and accountability, $80 million in financial oversight, crew feeding, ship's store, vending, barbershop services, hotel services and morale programs for more than 5,000 Sailors. Additionally, the Supply department supports embarked Carrier Strike Group (CSG) NINE, assisting in the support of Washington's escort ships.

"We ensure every mission that the ship is tasked with has the supplies and services required to accomplish the mission," said Cmdr. Kerri Yarbrough, Washington's supply officer. "From ensuring work centers have the right parts and material on time to accomplish maintenance and repairs throughout the ship, to providing meals, laundry and retail outlets to support the crew, Supply department is instrumental to the quality of life, morale, readiness and customer service on board."

Washington's Supply and Logistics divisions provide hands-on support during ship evolutions to include underway replenishments (UNREPs) and vertical replenishments (VERTREPs). During these evolutions, the ship receives an average 200 pallets, carrying food and logistical supplies via helicopter where they are transferred from the ship's flight deck to their respective storage spaces throughout the ship.

"Frequent communication and significant pre-planning was critical to maximize our endurance and sustainment for the deployment," said Yarbrough. "Initial logistics support planning began last year and there were numerous meetings with all key stakeholders to include weekly telecoms with TYCOM [Type Commander], Defense Logistics Agency, C4F [Commander Fourth Fleet] and Fleet Logistics Centers Jacksonville and Norfolk."

Yarbrough also said planning for the ship's port visits included close coordination with each country's U.S. Embassy and Defense Attache Office (DAO) and the husbanding service provider to facilitate all logistics requirements, customs clearance and VISA/immigrations issues. Additionally, due to the limited provisions available, Washington's supply department worked closely with stakeholders during the initial planning phase to order and preposition U.S. frozen and dry food via containerized shipments in Panama, Chile and Brazil.

Washington crewmembers expressed their gratitude for the hard work and dedication shown through the Supply departments' continual efforts.

"The Supply department is pretty much the lifeline of the ship," said Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Lawanna Arnold. "Every department is in some way, shape or form, directly tied to them. They are responsible for providing us everything from food to tools to small things like hair products. They are essential to the wellness of the ship's company and ultimately the morale."

On Sunday's, the ship's Food Services division serves Sunday brunch to the crew.

"You never see the mess decks more crowded on any other day of the week," said Yeoman 3rd Class Brandon Boyles. "There's something about pancakes in the afternoon that gets the ship up and going. I feel good working on the line, serving the crew during these evolutions because of the smiles and energy being spread through what we're doing. We have the Supply department to thank for this."

Yarbrough said her favorite part about her job is the relationship she's building with Washington crewmembers.

"It truly is the interaction with Sailors knowing that we are literally, all in this boat together, striving to succeed at something bigger than all of us," said Yarbrough. "The talent, expertise, professionalism and enthusiasm of Washington's crew is amazing and what truly defines this great warship. The most rewarding part of my job is having the opportunity to positively impact and support everyone aboard."

Washington is deployed as part of Southern Seas 2015, which seeks to enhance interoperability, increase regional stability and build and maintain relationships with countries throughout the region through joint, multinational and interagency exchanges and cooperation.

For more news from U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command & U.S. 4th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/.