Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center (NAVSUP FLC) Puget Sound officially assumed physical and administrative control of the Hazardous Material Minimization Center (HAZMINCEN) at Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island, Oct. 1.

While HAZMINCEN will continue to operate under Commander, Electronic Attack Wing, U. S. Pacific Fleet (COMVAQWINGPAC), NAVSUP FLC Puget Sound took over day-to-day operation of the facility, which handles ordering, receipt, storage, issue and disposal of hazardous materials.

According to John S. Gonzalez, deputy head of NAVSUP FLC Puget Sound Installation Support Department, the move was made to consolidate and streamline operation of the HAZMINCEN, which had already been following the command's hazardous materials (HAZMAT) guidance and policies. NAVSUP FLC Puget Sound plans, directs, monitors and evaluates policies, systems and procedures used in pollution prevention for both shore and operational commands in the region.

"Over the past few years the HAZMINCEN at NAS Whidbey Island and NAVSUP FLC Puget Sound developed a strong working relationship. It became apparent that the supply chain and customers would be better served under a strategic realignment of the HAZMINCEN to NAVSUP FLC Puget Sound," said Gonzalez.

The facility will continue to support industrial HAZMAT requirements for aviation units, maintenance facilities and other commands at NAS Whidbey Island. Moving management responsibilities to NAVSUP FLC Puget Sound will improve standardization and continuity of the facility's operation.

"The realignment was mutually agreed upon by deck plate leadership and will result in a more streamlined supply chain, standardized processes, simpler training requirements and an overall more efficient organization," Said Gonzalez.

NAVSUP FLC Puget Sound already operates two other HAZMINCENs at Bremerton and Naval Station Everett.

NAVSUP FLC Puget Sound, one of eight fleet logistics centers under NAVSUP Global Logistics Support (NAVSUP GLS) provides operational logistics, business and support services to Navy, Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command and other Joint and Allied Forces. Products and services include contracting, fuels, global logistics, hazardous material management, household goods, integrated logistics support, material management, postal, regional transportation and warehousing.

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.

For news and information about NAVSUP FLC Puget Sound, visit www.navsup.navy.mil/navsup/ourteam/navsupgls/navsupflcps or find it on Facebook at www.facebook.com/navsupflcps.

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