NAVSUP and USS Frank Cable Supply Department expedite relief support to Guam - Navy Supply System Command - disaster recovery at navy base

Navy Supply Corps Newsletter, May-June, 2003

Navy Exchange was not the only Naval Supply System Command field activity deeply involved with the recovery from Typhoon Pongsona. Several field activities and the Headquarters' Command Action Center with the USS Frank Cable Supply Department brought resources to bear in support of the Guam relief efforts.

Establishing adequate fuel availability was one of the most critical requirements on Guam. The Naval Petroleum Office worked with the Defense Energy Support Command (DESC) direct delivery contracting officer to ensure the Navy's requirements for gas were satisfied.

There was an ample supply of gas on the island but due to Mobil Oil tank fires set off by the storm, access to the source was disrupted. The distribution system was damaged but as soon as repairs could be made, NAVPETOFF worked to make sure the Navy's needs were being met.

The NAVPETOFF Headquarters Reserve unit provided six Expeditionary Logistics Support Force Reservists. They offloaded three tankers (505,000 barrels) during 24/7 operations from Dec. 24 through Jan. 6. The Reservists on Guam manned the tank truck filling station for emergency issues of diesel generator fuel.

Providing quality assurance services, NAVPETOFF personnel conducted over 100 fuels sample, ensuring fuel issued and received was to the proper standards. These same personnel also assisted in the repair of fuel department equipment and facilities.

Due to this initial nonavailability of MOGAS, 29 DoD diesel school busses were utilized to shuttle people to work through out the island. These buses traveled over 32,000 miles from Dec 8-19.

Naval Transportation Support Center worked directly with NEXCOM personnel in Norfolk, San Diego and Hawaii. They expedited the air clearance of relief supplies (water, fuel cylinders, gas stoves, coolers, batteries, baby food, diapers, fuel cans, canned goods, trash bags, clean-up material, etc.).

On day one of the relief efforts, 12 trucks (350,000 lbs of cargo) arrived at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., and were immediately processed for onward movement. The NAVTRANS Det at Travis spent an additional 62 hours of overtime working the cargo on Dec. 11 and 12.

While air clearances were being processed, direct coordination was taking place between NAVTRANS, NEXCOM, Commander Pacific Fleet, and Air Mobility Command to ensure adequate lift was in the right place at the right time and the movements were synchronized with operational requirements of the Pacific Fleet. Throughout the entire effort, NAVTRANS Travis Det and duty officers reported to NEXCOM/ NAVTRANS and NAVSUPHQ on cargo destined for Guam. Duty officers monitored each mission out of Travis through to destination. In total, more than 800,000 pounds of relief cargo was shipped.

Naval Forces Marianas Supply Department warehouses received water damage. Lack of power hampered recovery and inspection efforts. Supply Reserve support of three 10-person teams from Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Pearl Harbor and Defense Depot Pearl Harbor assisted the Guam Supply Department from Jan. 6 through Feb. 7 including conducting a wall to wall inventory for damaged material.

FISC PH Air Clearance Authority processed over 200 pallets of humanitarian relief material including generators, bottled water, health and comfort items.

FISC PH also participated in "Operation Save the Holidays" by consolidating and packing gift donations and sent personnel to Guam to assist in their distribution.

Naval Ammunition Logistics Center expedited the return of small quantities of water damaged munitions to CONUS for more detailed analysis and repair.

USS Frank Cable Supply Department provided tremendous support to the families who were displaced from their homes by the typhoon.

They extended Mess Deck meal hours by 4 hours and served over 1,000 meals to dependents without ability to store or prepare meals themselves; provided berthing for multiple displaced families; provided hot showers, ice and water for those who had a home but no power or water; and provided manpower to Commander, Naval Forces Japan to prepare a Christmas meal for 3,500 Guam Navy families.

The department cashed over.$150,000 in checks while commercial banks were down; processed over 400 temporary lodging allowance claims; dispensed emergency blankets, pillows, towels, and sheets for family on- and off-ship use; processed mail during holidays, due to closure of the base Post Office; and provided laundry (ship's and self serve), barbershop, and Ships Store service 7 days a week to support family needs.

The ship's crew also purchased emergency items to aid in relief efforts (i.e. chain saws, vacuums, building supplies, cell phones, calling cards, and hardware consumables, etc.); and provided 1,500 box lunches to workers in the field, allowing them to press on.

Numerous Supply Department Sailors worked typhoon cleanup, and assisted in recovery efforts for their sister village, Piti.

The NAVSUP Command Action Center consolidated daily inputs from NAVSUP field activities and Commander, Pacific Fleet and provided a daily "Guam Support" SITSUM to the senior leadership within the claimancy.