By Capt. Matthew D. Holman, SC, USN
As the Officer in Charge of the NAVSUP Naval Petroleum Office, I am thrilled at this opportunity to highlight the all-important topic of fuel for discussion with the Supply Corps community. Those officers among us who carry the 1307 subspecialty and proudly call ourselves “fuelies” know the critical importance of our commodity. Fuel is truly the lifeblood of the full range of Department of Defense (DoD) capabilities, and, as such, must be available on specification, on demand, on time, every time. In meeting this highest of standards, we work hand-in-hand with a dedicated team of Sailors, civil servants and contractors to deliver fuel to every corner of the world, ashore and afloat.
In this edition, you’ll hear from a variety of those professionals on topics ranging from a “101 level” strategic scope to personal experiences within the intensive education and training pipeline for our community to the daily responsibilities of maintaining facilities and delivering fuel at more than 150 Navy and Marine Corps Defense Fuel Support Points (DFSPs) worldwide. You will learn that overcoming the most daunting challenges—hurricanes, environmental risk factors and intense operational requirements—is second nature to our business. Those you will hear from include University of Kansas 811 graduates, a current fuels intern, an ExxonMobil Training with Industry Fellow, and, I’m proud to say, one of our star enlisted Sailors ABF1 (AW/SW) Erica Allen, a NAVSUP Sailor of the year finalist and a representative of the many Sailors in “non-Supply” ratings who support the NAVSUP Enterprise around the world through their work in fuels.
As you will see, petroleum is a big numbers game. Expressed in dollar terms, fuel quantities and facilities footprint, our business is uniquely massive in DoD’s portfolio. It is our people, however, from the aforementioned NAVSUP, Navy and Marine Corps team, to our partners in DLA Energy, Naval Supply Systems Command, Service counterparts and industry that fuel the Fleet and make us ready to “fight tonight.” Enjoy the insights you are about to read and, if you’re ready for a challenge, consider joining the proud ranks of Navy fuelies!