In the aftermath of Hurricane Michael and at the request of the Naval Support Activity Panama City, Fla., base leadership, the Navy Exchange Service Command sent a Mobile Retail Facility to help with the needs of the mission essential personnel onsite to help in the cleanup effort.

Once NEXCOM received word that the NEX MRF was needed, three associates from NEXCOM Mid-South District and Headquarters gathered at the NEX Pensacola Distribution Center to load merchandise before heading to NSA Panama City.

“The NEX MRF is stocked with basic health and comfort items as well as food and cold drinks,” said retired Rear Adm. Robert J. Bianchi, Chief Executive Officer, NEXCOM.  “Because it’s mobile, the NEX MRF can be driven into areas on base where Sailors are working and living, making it easier for them to get the merchandise they need. We will continue to do everything we can to support the base during this difficult time.”

The local NEX Panama City management team is working closely with base leadership to ensure they have the supplies they need to fulfill their mission including pallets of water, tarps, grills, charcoal, generators, batteries and other supplies to assist with the cleanup.

In addition to merchandise, NEXCOM’s Telecommunication Program Office worked with its nationwide contractor, ViaSat, to establish three Wi-Fi hotspots at different common areas across the base so Sailors and DoD personnel can contact their loved ones. Navy Lodge Pensacola, Fla., is supporting military members from NSA Panama City by ensuring rooms are available for those displaced due to the storm.

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For more news from Navy Exchange Service Command, visit www.navy.mil/.