Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistic Center (FLC) Yokosuka logistics planners and supply representatives provided support to Keen Edge 16 from various locations throughout Japan Jan. 23-29.

The two-week event was the latest in a series of joint, bilateral command post exercises designed to increase combat readiness and interoperability between the Japan Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. military.

"Participation in the exercise was a success because it provided a training benefit to our active duty and reserve personnel as well as fostered the establishment of key relationships for any future operations," said Capt. Raymond Bichard, NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka commanding officer. "Additionally, critical lessons were learned and familiarity with standing OPLANS [Operation Plan] was gained."

In the U.S. military, an OPLAN is a complete and detailed plan for conducting joint military operations.

Keen Edge has historically been part of an annual exercise series that alternates between field training exercises (Keen Sword) and command post exercises. During Keen Edge 16, various Japanese and U.S. headquarter staffs employed computer simulations to practice the steps they would take in the event of a crisis or contingency.

"The biggest thing is connecting what we do and what we train for with the big mission and what's going on over here," said Chief Logistics Specialist Chad Elms, NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka Navy Reserve, Phoenix detachment. "The exercise was a good opportunity for FLC to advertise their capabilities."

NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka personnel helped man the Regional Operations Center (ROC) and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) on board Yokosuka Naval Base.

"What I valued the most was my interaction with all the active duty folks here and seeing how we plug in," said Lt. j.g. Katie Tamisiea, an augmentee to the NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka reserve contingent attached to Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) Omaha. "Seeing the relationship of the ROC with the EOC gave me an understanding of the bigger picture."

NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka, Site Atsugi and Site Sasebo personnel participated on board Naval Air Facility Atsugi and Sasebo Naval Base, respectively. The respective base EOC's tasked them to provide postal and personal property representatives in support of Non-Combatant Evacuation Operations.

Command post exercises are a cost-effective way of providing military participants with realistic and unobtrusive training in a simulated crisis.

"I was impressed with the 24/7 operations we were able to run during this exercise," said Mark King, NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka logistics plans specialist.

There were a lot of early mornings and late nights for the participants, said King, adding that those who took part for NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka performed well.

NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka, one of eight fleet logistics centers under NAVSUP Global Logistics Support, is the Western Pacific region's largest U.S. Navy logistics command, headquartered just 26 miles due south of Tokyo, the enterprise networks more than 20 sites and fuel terminals from Misawa, Japan, to Sydney, Australia; Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean to Guam with a mission to serve the Asia Pacific Region's forward deployed maritime Warfighter with 24/7 operational logistics support integrating an extensive service provider network to deliver fuel, material, mail and supply chain services across the U.S. Navy's largest geographical area of responsibility.

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