Sustaining the Fleet

“In the Air, on Land, and Sea” is not only the motto aboard USS Tripoli (LHA 7), but also all theaters in which Supply Departments across the fleet are called upon to ensure mission readiness of our naval forces by being able to maintain sustained superior performance and render quality services for the warfighter, which is no little task. More than often we are reminded that every second and every penny counts when it comes to the swift and skillful execution for any supply related evolution. Whether handling the complexity of a port visit to Chinhae, South Korea or more subtle like a reception for the Triad and Distinguished Visitors, our consistency and meticulousness is required with usually no room for error.   

When people think about sustaining the fleet, they may picture supplies and provisions. Typical questions like, "How are we going to fix the gas turbines?" or "When are you going to serve more grilled cheese and tomato soup?" are important, but the real heart of fleet sustainment is our people—their hard work, resilience, and dedication. A fine instance of this espirit de corps is highlighted aboard Tripoli during their most recent journey to Naval Base Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.  Shortly after Tripoli completed an arduous Selected Restricted Availability and various certifications, the ship was tasked to conduct an emergent Operational Lift for a squadron in the midst of RIMPAC. Hopes of receiving a small break in Operational Tempo quickly diminished, with expectations for the Food Service Division and Retail Services to restock on food and snacks, General Stores and Aviation Supply Divisions on parts, Stock Control Division to promulgate a LOGREQ message, and Hotel Services Division to make accommodations for additional riders in a matter of days for an unexpected port visit.

Although seemingly impossible, the crew worked diligently and met all requirements in support of getting the ship underway. The mission was to moor and expeditiously onload helos, cargo, squadron personnel and possibly partake in a little liberty, then return to execute RE-6 Inspection.  Only a few days out, Tripoli experienced an equipment causality, with the mission still at hand the Stock Control Division is called upon to assist with procuring repair parts to resolve the existing causality.  In a matter of days, countless hours were expended finding assets to provide repair parts not readily in the Supply System and coordinate delivery to a vessel unable to moor pier side with support from our fellow supply officers along the waterfront and embarking squadron. In tandem, the ship was able to embark the squadron, its aircraft, dozens of crates/tri-walls of gear and complete additional tasking of hosting 89 Midshipmen in support of ROTC training events.  In result the crew RTHP with its Redline casualty resolved, squadron and equipment safely debarked, and a good experience for the future leaders of the fleet, all due proper accounts of sustainment and crew resiliency.

One team can’t win a fight alone and what the Supply Corps does best is cultivate relationships that leverage scarce resources to accomplish dynamic missions. Fellow SUPPOs are often the most valuable asset as they are usually one email away to provide support or guidance. Reaching out to fellow SUPPOs or shore support can often shrink what seems like a formidable mountain back into a manageable molehill. Moreover, relationship building does not end with those in uniform as the civilian and contractor workforce provide invaluable support. Whether it’s relying on NAVFAC crane support for an emergent lift requirement during a CMAV or husbanding service support for a reception in a foreign port, maintaining a strong relationship with the individuals in supporting roles should not be underestimated. Professional reputation goes along way so always be ready to answer a call for help because you never know when the tables will turn. While improved funding and better parts availability would certainly help our mission, they’re only as good as the engaged, resilient workforce behind them. People win wars and every single person in the Supply Corps can have a direct effect on strengthening and cultivating strong, professional relationships and taking care of the personnel we lead.

“In the Air, on Land, and Sea” is not only the motto aboard USS Tripoli (LHA 7), but also all theaters in which Supply Departments across the fleet are called upon to ensure mission readiness of our naval forces by being able to maintain sustained superior performance and render quality services for the warfighter, which is
no little task.