Naval Supply Systems Command Global Logistics Support (NAVSUP GLS) officially stood-up its new technologically advanced logistics operations center (LOC) at its headquarters building, July 12.

The stand-up of the new LOC, with its Tandberg video conferencing capabilities and 15 flat-screen monitored terminals reporting real-time logistics support services around the world, has been several years in the making.

"This is a major milestone for NAVSUP GLS and a leap forward to ensure we apply current technological advancements to support the fleet world-wide, around the clock," said Rear Adm. James McNeal, NAVSUP GLS commander.

Beginning in 2012, the Naval Operational Logistics Support Center in Norfolk was disestablished, and its functions moved to NAVSUP GLS in San Diego.

Three of the support center's functions included global logistics planning and coordination, operational readiness support, and joint logistics planning support.

Combined, these three functions demand a worldwide, theater-focused team of personnel skilled in fleet operations, contingency response, and synchronization of NAVSUP support to the regional fleet logistics centers (FLC). This required a more robust operations center than the secure facility originally established at the NAVSUP GLS headquarters building.

"The old LOC originally established at NAVSUP GLS was small and inadequate for our growing demands, having only five SIPR (secret internet protocol router) terminals, older communications technology, and no ventilation," said Cmdr. Alex Maitre, NAVSUP GLS LOC future plans officer.

In 2013, planning began to move and upgrade the LOC within the NAVSUP GLS headquarters building.

"Construction on the new LOC, in order to meet strict secure facility requirements, began in May 2016 and lasted six months," said Maitre. "It expanded the communications equipment from five terminals to 15 terminals, which also allowed the entire operations department of seven officers, one enlisted and one government civilian, to consolidate into one room, working in a combined NIPR (non-classified internet protocol )/SIPR environment instead of commuting between three different floors."

Construction on the new LOC was complete before Thanksgiving 2016, and space certification was completed immediately following, permitting the NAVSUP GLS LOC team to work through the equipment installation with Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, NAVSUP Business Systems Center, and Navy Marine Corps Intranet.

The new LOC went live, June 22, one month before exercise Talisman Sabre 2017 (TS17).

During TS17, July 14-25, the LOC team of 12 personnel from both the active duty and Reserve components trained specifically to run the LOC, will operate a 24/7 "battle rhythm" to support Pacific Fleet, 7th Fleet and 3rd Fleet as they command and control a combined command post exercise and field training exercise.

"With the opening of the new LOC, we are now going 24/7, with depth on the bench due to a year's worth of training, for the first time since the Haiti Earthquake in 2010," said Maitre. "There was the Japan earthquake and tsunami in 2011, then the Philippines typhoon in 2013, and no other significant natural disasters since. That streak of luck is going to end one day, and we are going to be ready to support whichever FLC, fleet and region gets caught in it; whatever 'it' will be."

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.

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