NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Sigonella Conducts Joint Intermodal Operations in Spain

Photo By Brian Dietrick | Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Sigonella’s site in Rota, Spain, supported an intermodal evolution resulting in $2.5 million dollars in government savings. The operation enabled the U.S. Army 101st Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) to deploy to Afghanistan and replace the 3rd CAB. The seamless logistics support facilitated a quick and efficient theater loadout, allowing the two brigades to conduct their corresponding missions in Afghanistan.  

ROTA, SPAIN

06.06.2018

Courtesy Story

Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center Sigonella

ROTA, Spain (NNS) -- Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Sigonella’s site in Rota, Spain, supported an intermodal evolution resulting in $2.5 million dollars in government savings.

The operation enabled the U.S. Army 101st Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) to deploy to Afghanistan and replace the 3rd CAB. The seamless logistics support facilitated a quick and efficient theater loadout, allowing the two brigades to conduct their corresponding missions in Afghanistan.

Traditionally, after a deployment, equipment is flown home on a C-5 or similar medium in several evolutions. The NAVSUP FLC Sigonella Site Rota Logistics Support Center (LSC) partnered with the Theater Aviation Sustainment Manager (TASM-O), and the Military Surface Deployment & Distribution Command (SDDC), to offload equipment from transiting U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) ship, MV Liberty Promise.

Irene España, logistics management specialist in the NAVSUP FLC Sigonella Site Rota LSC said, “Months of tedious planning go into this evolution and Site Rota is becoming a common place where this mission is conducted and conducted well.” Logistics Management Specialist Lorenzo Marquez echoed España’s thoughts, saying, “It’s truly a Joint effort as we have Air Force, Army, Navy, Spanish Navy, SDDC, MSC, and TASM-O all working together to ensure mission readiness remains at the forefront and that theater operations are sustained without delay.”

More than 290 containers, 102 rolling stock pieces, 73 general cargo containers, and 40 helicopters were offloaded during this evolution. Boeing AH-64 Apaches and Sikorsky UH-60 Blackhawks were staged to be transported to forward-deployed locations in theater. Nearly the same amount of supply freights and helicopters will be transported back to the United States from theater. Careful planning and execution enables a smooth transition for the CABs. Using multiple transportation arms to include both vessels and aircraft combined allows for less time on the ground, ensuring a quicker return of deployed soldiers after months in theater.

The NAVSUP FLC Sigonella LSC team in Rota ensured proper handling and delivery of all aircraft from the pier to the airfield to be staged for their upcoming flights into theater. The team successfully transported a final loadout of 20 Apache and 20 Blackhawk helicopters with three different variants from the MV Liberty Promise.

Partnership is critical for making this evolution and mission happen. Key players such as Naval Station (NAVSTA) Rota, Base Naval de Rota (Spanish Navy), U.S. Air Force 725th Air Mobility Squadron, SDDC Italy Detachment, TASM-O, MSC, and both U.S. Army 3rd and 101st CABs, ensured a successful joint operation.

NAVSTA Rota conducts multiple intermodals with varying quantities and types of equipment, cargo, and personnel in support of numerous units. However, regularly scheduled operations involving Army Combat Aviation Brigades are the largest of the year. This particular intermodal involved one of the largest general cargo and container numbers to date.

NAVSUP FLC Sigonella stands ready to fulfill logistic responsibilities and serves as a vital link to enable mission success. NAVSUP FLC Sigonella is one of eight fleet logistics centers under NAVSUP, which provides global logistics, business and support services to fleet, shore and industrial commands of the Navy, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Air Force, Army and allied forces. Services include contracting, regional transportation, fuel, material management, household goods movement support, postal and consolidated mail, warehousing, global logistics and husbanding, hazardous material management, and integrated logistics support.

• Date Taken: 06.06.2018
• Date Posted: 06.06.2018 03:43
• Story ID: 279766
• Location: ROTA, ES