Six West Point Cadets traded one day of classroom instruction for a day learning about supply logistics for the submarine force Naval Submarine Base New London, Nov. 28.
Army Capt. Andrew Betson, West Point instructor for the course “Sustaining the Force in the Defense and Strategic Studies Program” coordinated the tour to the submarine base to provide a better understanding to his cadets about the logistical requirements needed to support submarines while in port and at sea.
“My cadets are studying logistics as it relates to our country’s ability to project and sustain military pow er,” said Betson. “ They have studied the history of military logistics with a focus on ground supply, strategic support organizations, and functions of our sister services.”
Betson added that the visit to the submarine base will enlighten his cadets to better understand the strategic importance of the submarines, but gain an understanding of the myriad of logistical requirements in sustaining the force.
“Today’s visit will merge nicely with what the cadets are learning in their Defense and Strategic Studies program, ” said Betson.
During the daylong visit, the cadets toured the Reconfigurable Submarine Piloting and Navigation trainer, Damage Control Wet Trainer, Submarine Escape Trainer, and Submarine Bridge Trainer.
Cmdr. Glenn Porterfield, executive officer, Naval Submarine School met with the cadets during the portion of their visit to the trainers and provided additional information about the submarine school pipeline and its significance on training the submarine force.
“I appreciate the opportunity to help the cadets understand our training pipeline ‘logistics’ of getting new submariners to their first shi p,” said Porterfield. “ It’s very similar to supply chain management of materials, ensuring the right product is sent to the fleet at the right cost.”
After visiting the Naval Submarine School trainers, the West Point cadets toured the Virginia-class attack submarine USS New Hampshire (SSN 778) to meet with Sailors assigned to the submarine, but also learned about logistical requirements from Ensign Patrick Coughlin, supply officer.
“I can appreciate the cadets interest in all facets of logistics across our sister services,” said Coughlin. “It’s a privilege to provide these cadets with a better understanding of what is required from a supply standpoint, but also to provide them a better awareness of what our force brings to the forefront in our nation’s defense.”
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, November 30, 2012