Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Command (FLC) Norfolk's Fleet Assist Team completed pre-deployment load out assistance for USS Arlington (LPD 24) Oct. 1, as the ship prepared for its deployment with the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group.

The team conducts pre-deployment assist visits to ensure that deploying ships have points of contact at overseas Navy Exchanges and the shipboard Ship's Serviceman (SH) team has the proper laundry, barbershop and ship's store supplies while underway.

"The initial load out is critical," said Master Chief Ship's Serviceman Eric Maxwell. "We place an emphasis on 'never out' stock items, such as toiletries."

Bob Howard, NAVSUP FLC Norfolk Operation Department director, says the assist visits are vital to a ship getting underway because a correctly stocked ship's store is a vital quality-of-life factor for Sailors, and the store's profits help fund the ship's Morale, Welfare and Recreation fund.

"While the Food Service Division is probably the number one morale driver, the Sales Division is right on their heels with respect to ship's store, vending machines and laundry," Howard said.

Maxwell added the team works with soda company vendors to ensure vending machines are in working order for the deployment and shipboard SHs are trained to use them. Ship's laundry equipment is also groomed and serviced.

The FAT assist visit process takes place over a period of a few months, with the first visit coming at least three months before deployment, if not earlier. Maxwell says the FAT continues assisting the ship during the entire deployment and post-deployment period.

"Regardless of where the ship is located during deployment, the FAT can reach out to provide assistance," said Maxwell.

Arlington departed for its deployment Oct 6.

NAVSUP FLC Norfolk, 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 with 37 separate locations in three Navy regions. Connect with NAVSUP FLC Norfolk at https://www.facebook.com/NAVSUP-Fleet-Logistics-Center-Norfolk-1434046346807412/timeline/.

NAVSUP GLS provides global logistics for a global Navy. The organization is made up of more than 6,500 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.
Visit https://www.navsup.navy.mil/navsup/ourteam/navsupgls/news for more NAVSUP GLS news. Connect with NAVSUP GLS on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/navsupgls.

A component of the Naval Supply Systems Command headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pa., NAVSUP GLS is part of a worldwide logistics network of more than 22,500 military and civilian personnel providing combat capability through logistics.


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