Naval Operational Logistics Support Center Logistics Operations Center

Navy Supply Corps Newsletter, Jan-Feb, 2005 by David A. March

Naval Operational Logistics Support Center (NOLSC) recently stood up it's Logistics Operations Center (LOC). Serving as the NAVSUP operations center, the LOC provides the NAVSUP enterprise real-time "situational awareness" in operational logistics through information collection and analysis, and serves as a resource to address and resolve war fighter logistics issues.

The LOC acts as a portal for interfacing with forward deployed naval forces and fleet, component and combatant commanders. NOLSC is responsible for integrating NAVSUP support to operational commanders that includes, but is not limited to, allowance development for combat logistics ships and tenders, ordnance and petroleum positioning, air channel and transportation coordination, and pre-positioned material support.

How the LOC plays a role in supporting our forward deployed naval forces was recently brought to light when they were contacted by CDR Robert Oakley, the Marine Forces Atlantic (MARFORLANT) Aviation Logistics Department Logistics Planner. The commander was requesting assistance to improve the anticipated delivery date for a shipment of high-priority EA-6B pods to 2nd Marine Air Wing (2nd MAW), which was deployed in Iraq and involved in mission-critical operations. There were two pods currently en route to 2nd MAW, and the estimated time of arrival to Iraq would severely restrict the operational capability of the aircraft and mission accomplishment. Facing an operationally unsatisfactory situation. MARFORLANT sought assistance to determine if something could be done to improve the delivery date of the pods.

The LOC, using the competencies and strengths of the NAVSUP enterprise, took the request for action and engaged the assistance of NOLSC's Transportation and Distribution (T&D) experts to analyze and resolve the issue. Working closely with DHL air transportation representatives and 2nd MAW, NOLSC T&D personnel were able to track, reroute, and expedite the shipment of the pods into theater to support the mission-critical time frames. The end result of the combined efforts was the successful delivery of the pods into theater four days earlier than originally scheduled, allowing the 2nd MAW aircraft to maintain full operational capability in support of mission requirements.

In support of the global war on terrorism (GWOT), the LOC is manned 24 hours a day, seven days a week by a team of military (active duty as well as activated Reserves) and civilian logisticians. It serves as a vital resource to the NAVSUP enterprise by providing operational logistics information flow and analysis in support of global warfighting efforts.

The LOC also interfaces with Joint and naval logistics operations centers around the globe to enable a robust information exchange in support of ongoing logistiCS operations: Re flow of information is enabled through the use of secure and non-secure video teleconferencing systems (VTC), multifunctional A/V capabilities, high-speed secure/non-secure Internet connections, and secure telephones. The LOC also taps into a multitude of data sources including various operational logistics Web Sites and SITSUMs, SITREPs, and chat rooms for deployed naval forces.

Situational awareness is conveyed by the LOC to the NAVSUP enterprise through a variety of tools including: daily 8 o'clock reports, which provide a snapshot of operational logistics readiness for forward-deployed naval forces; periodic "news flashes" and "weather alerts" providing real-time information and analysis on news of high national or naval interest and destructive weather; and a weekly readiness brief providing an in-depth summary of pertinent operational logistics data for deployed naval forces.

The LOC is a direct result of NAVSUP's key Strategic Plan objective to "harness the NAVSUP enterprise's full logistics capabilities to institutionalize our operational logistics engagement." As it continues to improve and refine its processes and increase its engagement with deployed naval forces, there will be more opportunities "to bring logistics to the fight" in support of the GWOT. Our situational awareness, coupled with the ability to integrate and leverage the support of the NAVSUP enterprise's functional expertise, is clearly enhancing the enterprise's ability to support our warfighters.

LDCR Dave March graduated from the University of Florida through the NROTC program and earned his master's degree from the Naval Post-graduate School, focusing on Transportation Logistics Management. His afloat tours include Sales & Disbursing Officer on USS AShland (LSD 48). Supply Officer on USS Michigan (SSBN 727 Gold), and Assistant Supply Officer on USS Wasp (LHD 1.) His ashore tours include Deputy, Supply and Fiscal Officer, Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station Atlantic and Aviation Support Officer. Naval Support Facility, Diego Garcia.