Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Sigonella deployed a 13-person Enterprise Logistics Response Team (ELRT) July 20 to support Exercise Saxon Warrior 2017.

Saxon Warrior 2017 is a co-hosted exercise between the United States and the United Kingdom, focused on developing combined proficiency in the area of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) operations, enhancing interoperability, and projecting power from the sea.

The NAVSUP FLC's Logistics Response Teams (LRTs) deploy personnel on short notice to coordinate and deliver support to operational units in locations where the Navy has little or no organic footprint.

When the supported commander's logistics requirements exceed the normal capabilities of an individual NAVSUP FLC, personnel from the greater NAVSUP Enterprise come together to form an organic LRT capability. These "Enterprise" LRTs (ELRT) give NAVSUP FLC Sigonella the capability to support the theater commander's mission with greater depth and for longer periods across the full range of military operations.

The team supporting Exercise Saxon Warrior 2017, comprised of 13 Sailors from NAVSUP FLC Sigonella, NAVSUP FLC Norfolk, NAVSUP FLC Jacksonville, NAVSUP FLC Pearl Harbor, and NAVSUP FLC Puget Sound, deployed to various locations around the United Kingdom including Mildenhall, Faslane, and Portsmouth. Coordination and planning for this team was facilitated from NAVSUP FLC Sigonella in Sigonella, Sicily.

"Supporting this exercise was eye-opening," said Lt. Joe Green, logistics exercise lead. "Working alongside our U.K. partners gave me a greater appreciation for how we integrate strategic logistics in an operational environment. I'm extremely impressed by the team's ability to analyze the situation and find a way to meet the mission, no matter what obstacle."

This deployment acted as a proof of concept for how NAVSUP FLC Sigonella conducts and sustains operations including contracting, fuels, global logistics services, hazardous material management, integrated logistics support, material management, postal, regional transportation, warehousing, logistics operations, and ammunition in a contingency environment.

When Sailors first arrived, they integrated with the Royal Navy to analyze exercise planning and port services, ensure all priority cargo would reach the warfighter. They used organic Royal Navy assets to load cargo and mail on the George H. W. Bush CSG. Logistics support for exercises like Saxon Warrior begins long before the exercise commences, and the ERLT is on the ground to help.

"It's been an interesting experience working with the Royal Navy. We learned a lot, and in the end we are teaming up to ensure the warfighter-U.S. or allied forces-can succeed at their mission," said Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Alberto Brown.

To date, with support from the USAF 100th Logistics Readiness Squadron (LRS) and 727th Air Mobility Squadron, the ELRT has processed more than 950 pieces of cargo (more than 49,000 pounds) and more than 9,000 pounds of mail in support of United States Ships participating in the exercise.

With a successful ELRT deployment within the 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility, NAVSUP FLC Sigonella is well-postured to support expeditionary logistics operations now and in the future.

NAVSUP FLC Sigonella is one of eight fleet logistics centers under NAVSUP GLS, which provides global logistics, business and support services to fleet, shore and industrial commands of the Navy, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Air Force, Army and allied forces. Services include contracting, regional transportation, fuel, material management, household goods movement support, postal and consolidated mail, warehousing, global logistics and husbanding, hazardous material management, and integrated logistics support.

NAVSUP GLS provides global logistics to a global navy. The command is made up of more than 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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