Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) San Diego joined sailors from the US Navy’s newest destroyer class in April to conduct afloat postal training aboard USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000) in San Diego.
The command’s Navy Postal Management Inspection Team routinely conducts cyclical training for every command in the navy’s southwest region — a total of about 220 shore commands and 55 ships.
For Zumwalt, however, the training would cover new ground — Zumwalt was the first ship designed to have a single supply-rated sailor running its postal and retail operations simultaneously.
“The Zumwalt is a very different beast than the rest of our ships. With only around 130 sailors and just 20 of them in supply, sure, you’re going to have sailors doing jobs they’ve never done before. But they’re also the only ship in the navy right now where they have a space built to equip both an afloat post office and a ship’s store. These are two completely different types of operations taking place in one small, confined space,” Logistics Specialist 1st Class (SW) Evelyn Chavez, said.
As explained, cross-training sailors in new types of procedures – on a new class of ship – can have its challenges. As a result, Zumwalt’s training had to be specifically tailored to emphasize not only the cross-rated duties but also to focus heavily on mail security.
“The ship’s layout itself is challenging. You’ve got sailors entering the ship’s store and the postal space at the same time, and we treat all mail as confidential, at a minimum. We really wanted to zero-in and ensure their crew was ready for any obstacles that could potentially come their way. We don’t want to see any postal offenses,” Chavez added.
NAVSUP FLC San Diego trains, qualifies, and inspects shipboard supply operations while providing finance and distance support, conducting pre-deployment briefs, prepping pack-up kits, conducting official assessments and more.
NAVSUP FLC San Diego’s solid working relationships with fleet customers enables the logistics powerhouse to better assist in helping to keep shipboard programs running smoothly as the navy’s warships deploy in support of global security.
“As we continue to build a bigger fleet and endeavor to be the navy the nation needs, we will continue to see new, more innovative and flexible shipboard platforms come to life,” Commanding Officer Capt. Michelle Morse pointed out.