BY LT. KEVIN KEMEN Operations Officer, Commander Naval Air Force Atlantic and Cmdr. Clint Tracy, Commanding Officer, Commander Naval Air Force Atlantic
The Navy Reserve Supply Corps held a two-day leadership symposium at the Joint Forces Staff College at Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads Aug. 17-18.
The event helped prepare mid-grade Reserve Supply Corps officers for future leadership at the operational and strategic levels of logistics planning. Rear Adm. Alan Reyes, commander Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group, sponsored the event with 69 Supply Corps lieutenant commanders in attendance.
As the active duty Navy continues to rely on the Reserve force to supplement essential logistics capabilities, the Reserve Supply Corps maintains a ready and capable corps of supply officers to support the warfighter. This support comes in many forms as the mission of our Navy evolves to meet the challenges of a global presence.
Rear Adm. Keith Jones, deputy commander, NAVSUP; Rear Adm. Kenneth Epps, deputy chief of staff for Fleet Ordnance and Supply/ Fleet Supply officer, N41, U.S. Fleet Forces Command; and Reyes provided updates on the status and needs of the active duty fleet.
A video message opened the event from Rear Adm. Michelle Skubic, commander, NAVSUP and chief of Supply Corps, in which she addressed the NAVSUP and Supply Corps mission, vision, and priorities.
“We have a key role in building the Navy the nation needs. Our focus will always be on the fleet, on the Sailors at sea and ashore who keep the Navy strong, and all warfighters in harm’s way, on ensuring we do our part toward success in operations, from training to effective combat engagements. We will always be ready to serve, ready to sustain the fight, and Ready for Sea,” said Skubic.
The vision and mission of the Supply Corps relies on four pillars for success: fleet readiness, reform, auditability, and people. Together, these form the foundation of the mission to provide supplies, services, and quality-of-life support to the Navy and the Joint warfighter.
Day one placed an emphasis on “Big L” logistics such as global posturing, current fleet picture, fleet logistics, and logistics readiness center support discussions. Day two focused on career enhancement and included Supply Corps community updates, career development continuum initiative, enlisted leadership development, and mobilization picture. Joint matters and several topics from Reserve forces were also included.
The highlight of the event was an operational level of war logistics watch standing practical exercise sponsored by the Naval War College. This exercise emphasized the importance of situational awareness to effectively support a logistics readiness center commander. Participants were divided into three cells: supply section, fuels cell, and transportation/mobility cell.
Each group was tasked to understand the issues and risks associated with supporting a combatant commander/Joint task force and developing a course of action and final brief. This exercise emphasized the importance of mid-grade Supply Corps Reserve officers knowing their profession and leading others in supporting the warfighter.
A group of attendees had an opportunity to visit and tour USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), and get a first-hand look of the role it plays in fleet logistics and sustainment.
Many participants noted the symposium’s success and appreciated the opportunity to interact with each other and the senior officers present. Thanks to all who made this event possible!