New mobile operations centers boost efficiency

Translog: Journal of Military Transportation Management, May-June, 2002

There will be an enhanced capability to Military Traffic Management Command's short-term port operations in the future.

The first of three MTMC mobile port operation centers is nearing completion. The centers will offer a highly mobile, automated command, control, communications, and information center for transporters.

"A new era has arrived for Military Traffic Management Command port operations," said John Smith, Deputy Chief of Staff for Information Management. "The new mobile port operations centers will mirror the tactical and automated environment of the future.

"We will have robust communications with state-of-the-art security. The increased band width this equipment offers will provide faster information flow."

The centers are contained within two High Mobility, Multipurpose, Wheeled Vehicles, said Smith. The vehicles may be quickly moved and deployed overseas.

The mobile port operations centers will replace several previous ad hoc versions, said Smith. Crew and equipment will both benefit from the center's heating and cooling systems.

MTMC's first center will be fielded at the 597th Transportation Group at Military Ocean Terminal, Sunny Point, N.C., this summer. The two additional centers will be fielded this fall to the 598th Transportation Group, Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and the 599th Transportation Group, Wheeler Army Air Field, Hawaii.

"These are state-of-the-art, secure, command, control, and communications packages," said Lary Marler, information specialist.

"There is a requirement for this equipment" said Marler. "It will provide data and communications capabilities in locations with little or no other infrastructure available."

The mobile port operations centers will include the following systems and capabilities:

- Worldwide Port System

- Integrated Computerized Deployment System

- Dual-use voice and data satellite communications

- Secure voice and facsimile capability

- Defense Messaging System

- Printers/copiers/scanners

- Satellite News Networks/Armed Forces Network

The mobility and technology of the center make it state of the art, said David Cornelissen, a six-year Navy veteran.

"Being an old military man, I can appreciate the communications features the center brings to the working commander in the field. Absolutely, this is MTMC's global reach in fast-breaking situations."

Not affected by the introduction of the new centers will be MTMC's existing deployable port operations centers. Constructed of an expandable shipping container, these centers will be retained for extended long-term traffic management missions.