Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Yokosuka provided logistics support during a rare three carrier strike group exercise in the Asia Pacific region Nov. 11-14.

The USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), USS Nimitz (CVN 68) and USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) strike groups, as well as the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and South Korean ships, joined together in a display of force that required complex logistics coordination from across NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka's various sites, including Sites Korea, Manila, Singapore and Sasebo.

"Support to deployed forces is a central focus for the FLCY team positioned in 14 sites across eight nations in the Indo-Asia Pacific region," said Capt. Jeffery P. Davis, commanding officer NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka. "Simultaneous support to three carrier strike groups required significant coordination to sustain key logistical support. It was truly a team effort with FLCY team members across the region working directly with carrier strike group beach detachments and key fleet representatives to achieve tri-carrier operations objectives."

The operations team, which included fuels, postal operations and material management, provided key support during the exercise that also coincided with President Donald Trump's visit to the region amid rising tensions with North Korea.

Logistic Support Representatives (LSRs) from FLC Yokosuka masterfully facilitated a variety of logistical requirements, including replenishments at sea, facilitating contracting requirements, expediting cargo and mail routing, coordinating transportation requirements and ensuring communication services for the three carriers.

The mission and the comfort of the crews were high priorities during the operations. Whether the requirement was a weapon system, fresh food or mail, the LSRs' mentality was to utilize organic or commercial assets to expedite the delivery of the material to the crew members in the timeliest and most cost effective manner.

According to Cmdr. Michael Schilling, director of the operations department at NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka, the support was herculean and complex.

"Even the best warfighters need logistics support from ashore to be effective," said Schilling. "These are the best Sailors in the world operating with the three carrier strike groups and we take pride ensuring they have the bullets and beans ready to fight."

In addition to supporting the tri-carrier exercise, sites from across NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka simultaneously assisted the three carriers across the 7th Fleet area of operation for more than a month.

The Site Chinhae team supported the USS Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group (CSG) during a six day period in October. In advance of the port visit, two LSRs traveled to the ship's destination to ensure prearranged support services were in place to facilitate a smooth visit for the crew. Due to inclement weather caused by Typhoon Lan, the port visit was shifted to an earlier than anticipated date. Despite the storm, Site Chinhae assisted in bringing over 13 tons of mail and parts to the CSG, as well as offloading 65 depot-level repairable parts.

When the USS Nimitz CSG concluded their October port visit to Colombo, Sri Lanka, it marked the first U.S. Navy carrier visit to the area in 32 years. The team at NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka Site Singapore assisted the effort by sending two LSRs and two contracting officers for boots on ground support, which helped alleviate many of the challenges the port faced to accommodate the carrier group's arrival.

NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka Site Marianas helped plan and coordinate the USS Theodore Roosevelt CSG with their Marianas port visit. The site team concurrently supported USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) and USS Sampson (DDG 102) during port visits in Saipan and were instrumental in managing all logistic requirements for the visit, including provisions, mail, crane support, parts, tents and hazardous material.

Schilling said his operations team worked closely with the strike groups to ensure seamless support during the exercise that was focused on the ability of the U.S. Navy to rapidly bring together forces from three strike groups in response to any regional situation.

"Our advanced traceability and control team established a temporary mobile node in Subic Bay, Philippines that also provided direct support to the three carrier operation," said Schilling. "During a 20 day period, they flawlessly executed an unprecedented 132 percent increase in volume by processing 2,579 critical aviation and surface depot level repairable retrograde assets in support of the operation."

The Navy's show of force was monumental, not only in terms of power projected, but in the complexity of the exercise. NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Yokosuka worked hand-in-hand with the carrier strike groups in a demonstration of might that showcased the supremacy of U.S. Naval forces and the ability of the logistics team to deliver a high-level of customer service on demand.

NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka is one of eight fleet logistics centers under NAVSUP Global Logistics Support (GLS). Headquartered just 26 miles south of Tokyo, it is the western Pacific region's largest U.S. Navy logistics command, networking more than 14 sites with a mission to deliver supply and logistics solutions that enable deployed maritime warfighter readiness in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

NAVSUP GLS provides global logistics for a global Navy. The organization is made up of approximately 6,300 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.

NAVSUP provides U.S. naval forces with quality supplies and services. With headquarters in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and employing a diverse, worldwide workforce of more than 22,500 military and civilian personnel, NAVSUP oversees logistics programs in the areas of supply operations, conventional ordnance, contracting, resale, fuel, transportation, and security assistance. In addition, NAVSUP is responsible for quality-of-life issues for naval forces including food service, postal services, Navy Exchanges, and movement of household goods.

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