MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Navy, Marine Corps and Department of Defense logisticians formed an advanced logistics support site here Aug. 20 through today to improve their capabilities while providing support to troops participating in Exercise Ulchi Focus Lens 2007.
The purpose of the exercise, which is run by Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific (COMLOGWESTPAC), is to integrate Navy, Marine Corps and Department of Defense logistics personnel and capabilities, according to Navy Capt. Jim Maus, Commander Task Force 73 assistant chief of staff for logistics and native of San Diego, Calif.
“Every year we get together to bring in all of our personnel and to maximize our capabilities,” said Maus, who added that this is the third year the site has been set up in Iwakuni. “This site, because it has both a seaport and an airport, provides us with tremendous logistics synergy. Whether it’s by plane or ship, our logistics enablers have great flexibility in how they deliver material to the war fighter.”
About 60 sailors, Marines and DOD civilians worked from a technologically stacked tent at Penny Lake, ensuring naval and Marine aviation forces supporting UFL have food, fuel, munitions, parts and ordnance. The logistics experts also simulated situations that could occur during war, providing them the opportunity to apply and evaluate logistic concepts, according to Maus.
“This is the yearly schoolhouse for logistics,” said Maus, who added that most of the personnel are reserve forces. “The whole idea is to bring those folks in so they are prepared for a real-world contingency.”
Technological advancements in logistics tracking equipment, such as Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) tags, and logistics software, such as Battle Command Support Sustainment System (BCS3), have led to improvement in speed and communication, the keys to logistics. The ultimate goal of the exercise is to use these capabilities to their full potential, according to Jeff N. Stickel, Marine Forces Pacific Aviation Logistics Group logistics planner and native of Aiea, Hawaii.
“Now that we have the technology, we have the capabilities to be very precise and efficient,” said Stickel. “But we’re not going to capitalize on those capabilities if we don’t train.”
The exercise also ensures logistics support staff are ready to respond when needed. By giving them the opportunity to perform their essential role - setting up the site and equipment in less than 72 hours and maintaining it for the duration of the exercise – the staff is more prepared, according to Senior Chief Petty Officer Edward M. Aque, Joint Maritime Ashore Support Team Pacific officer-in-charge and native of Zambales, Philippines.
“There’s a lot of moving parts in a short amount of time,” said Aque. “We have to be familiar with some of the difficulties so that when they do arise, we’re confident we can handle them.”
The exercise has been very successful, said Maus. It would not have been possible or as successful if it were not for the people who take part, Maus added.
“They’re very enthusiastic, very motivated,” Maus said. “(The exercise) is a great Marine Corps-Navy partnership that’s been fully supported by everybody.”