Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Yokosuka Sailors aided humanitarian efforts, Aug. 3-10, in the wake of Super Typhoon Soudelor, which struck the Pacific island of Saipan.

Extreme wind and rain pelted the largest island of the Northern Mariana Islands, a commonwealth of the United States in the western Pacific Ocean, flooding the island and leaving local residents without power or water.

At its peak on Aug. 3, Soudelor was estimated by the U.S. military's Joint Typhoon Warning Center to pack maximum one-minute sustained winds of 180 mph and gusts to 220 mph.

NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka, Site Marianas, in coordination with Naval Base Guam Port Operations, the American Red Cross and the Federal Emergency Management Agency provided logistics support to USS Ashland (LSD 48) and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) in support of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HA/DR) efforts following the devastation caused by Soudelor.

According to U.S. Navy Capt. Kenneth Dixon, NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka, Site Marianas director, Site Marianas' logistics support representatives (LSRs) supported two separate load outs of drinking water and other emergency relief supplies, as well as high priority ship requirements for USS Ashland (LSD 48) and the 31st MEU.

"LSRs are often tasked 24/7 in support of emergent requirements such as HA/DR, where the ashore logistics support is not usually a 24-hour operation," said U.S. Navy Cmdr. Shane Strohl, NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka, Operations Department director. "They provide the link that can spin up shore support on short notice."

In total, 61 pallets of HA/DR supplies, nine emergency support vehicles, three pallets of ship supplies, and ten 40-foot containers of additional humanitarian supplies were on loaded for travel to Saipan.

"As the fleet is our normal customer, operations generally focus on support to ships that are the first responders to the contingency," said Strohl. "It is really easy to take pride in what the team can accomplish."

With a responsibility to serve all ships operating in the more than 51 million square miles of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka personnel listen to their customers' needs and determine innovative logistics solutions to get the job done.

"They know their job, require little guidance, and are true professionals," said Strohl. "I often see notes of thanks from supported ships and activities for their efforts to support."

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 26 miles due south of Tokyo, the enterprise networks more than 20 sites and fuel terminals from 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. The command integrates 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/