Naval Supply Systems Fleet Logistics Center (NAVSUP FLC) San Diego welcomed its first command-ombudsman who officially took the reins for the logistics hub March 7 in San Diego.

Maribel Soto-Guerra, wife of Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Fuel) 1st Class (AW/SW) Ivan Soto-Guerra of the supply management department, will serve as a critical link for the flow of information between the chain of command and Sailors' families.

"Having served in the Navy and, now, taking care of a family, I know what types of challenges military families can face," said Soto-Guerra. "My goal is to help these families in any possible way to make things easier for them and the active duty member at the same time."

Ombudsmen are volunteers appointed by commanding officers, trained to pass information through Navy family and command channels. They're charged with relaying not only official Department of the Navy information, but also quality of life programs and opportunities and resource referrals.

"Things like navigating new school systems, finding good neighborhoods to move into when they get orders, getting help with financial issues ... there's a lot to figure out," said Soto-Guerra. "It's my goal to make sure I'm there to provide the help and resources that they may not know are available to them, even if that means just pointing them in the right direction."

Soto-Guerra previously served as a hospital corpsman during her time in the Navy. Currently, in addition to her duties as command ombudsman, Soto-Guerra raises her children and attends college full time.

"In a sense, it makes me feel like I'm serving the Navy again in different role," she said. "It's exciting."

While the ombudsman position is unpaid and strictly voluntary, Soto-Guerra will work directly with the command master chief and commanding officer, when necessary, under a command designation letter.

"The ombudsman is our critical liaison outside of the command who can be an advocate and champion for family issues," said Command Master Chief (SW/AW) Francisco Diego, command master chief of NAVSUP FLC. "We want our Sailors' families to feel like they can come forward for assistance when they need it. A lot of family issues feel personal, so this is a direct link to someone outside of the chain of command, where maybe they'll feel comfortable seeking help."

In her new capacity, Soto-Guerra will also be instrumental in resolving issues with Sailors' families before they escalate or require intervention by the chain of command or other, outside influences.

"Many times, people think problems will just go away on their own if you avoid them," said Diego. "This is a great way to make sure they have an avenue to help them stay ahead of the issues before, say, an eviction notice or a delinquent mortgage becomes a problem. At the end of the day, it's about strengthening our bonds within our Navy family and taking care of one another."

Soto-Guerra is slated to graduate from the required Ombudsman Basic Training March 11.

NAVSUP FLC San Diego, one of eight fleet logistics centers under NAVSUP Global Logistics Support (GLS), provides operational logistics, business and support services to fleet, shore and industrial commands of the Navy, Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command, and other Joint 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 for a global Navy. The organization 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.

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