SDDC readies for Haiti surface shipments

Translog: Journal of Military Transportation Management, Spring, 2004 by Patti Bielling

With a large U.S. Marine force in Haiti, the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command is preparing for possible large-scale movements of supplies to the troubled country.

To prepare for shipments, a Mobile Port Operations Center was sent in March to Haiti, where SDDC elements will use the center to perform their single port manager mission.

Mounted in two high-mobility, multi-purpose wheeled vehicles, the Mobile Port Operations Center includes communications equipment, power sources, shelter and tent, which can support SDDC transporters in an active port environment.

In addition, SDDC Operations Center at Fort Eustis, Va., has issued a Universal Services Contract No. 4 modification to Crowley Maritime Corp., Oakland, Calif., for liner service to Haiti. Containers will be provided by Textainer, of Hackensack, N.J.

This is the first use of the Mobile Port Operations Center in the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility.

Transporters are delighted with the functionality of the equipment.

"The Mobile Port Operations Center is getting an A for functionality, versatility and usability in a very austere environment," said Capt. Kevin Drew, 832nd operations officer.

Drew's compliment drew a strong endorsement from Lt. Col. Paul Giovino, commander, 832nd Transportation Battalion, Jacksonville, Fla.

"The center has all of the in-transit visibility and communications equipment needed to operate a port anywhere," said Giovino.

The center provides port managers with such transportation tools as the Worldwide Port System, the Integrated Computerized Deployment System and the Global Command and Control System. The Worldwide Port System provides automated port management and cargo documentation capabilities. The Integrated Computerized Deployment System is an automation system that interfaces with the Worldwide Port System and allows port operators to create vessel stow plans. The Global Command and Control System is the Department of Defense's computerized system of record for strategic command and control functions.

The center provides secure network communications in an air-conditioned workspace, said Lt. j.g. Danielle Lloyd, of the Information Management Special Projects Team at SDDC Headquarters, Alexandria, Va.

The SDDC G-6 (Information Management) considers the center as a key port management tool and seeks ways to enhance it," said John Smith, deputy chief of staff for information management.

"The standard communication suite is four International Maritime Satellites devices," said Smith, "which are very expensive to operate during an extended port mission."

"Unique to this center is the addition of a Very Small Aperture Terminal that provides more robust communication capability and significantly reduces operating costs."

The Haiti mission is the second opportunity to employ the Very Small Aperture Terminal, he said.

"The Mobile Port Operating Center is designed especially to support small scale, short duration contingency operations or operations at secondary ports," said Lloyd.

"The vehicles provide storage and transportation capabilities, and the shelter and tent provide work space," she said. "The computers, servers and electronic equipment provide all the necessary information systems and communications to manage the port.

"The bottom line is that the Mobile Port Operating Center provides greater capability for SDDC personnel to perform their mission and support the Soldiers and Marines operating in the field."

SDDC currently has two centers, said Smith. When fully fielded, the command will have three additional centers.