Source: United States Navy
“I am excited that we are all here, interacting face to face with one another. The opportunity to learn about new processes together, along with latest initiatives as the leaders of our command is integral. Additionally, this setting will give us a platform to reflect and move forward into this new environment.” opened Capt. Cory Schemm, commanding officer, NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center San Diego. “This is our chance to build up our foundation for the work that is to come as we implement the roll out of Get Real, Get Better.”
The offsite was comprised of 15 sessions ranging from telework to ‘Waypoints,’ the new NAVSUP Civilian Enterprise Learning Management System. The purpose of this offsite was both leadership development and uniting the command, which is spread across 11 total locations.
“The intent of this offsite, our first following COVID, is a bit different from the 2019 version, and that’s by design … it is much more internal focused,” said Andrew Benson, executive director, NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center San Diego. “Centering on how we can do better, as a team, to operate effectively on behalf of our mission partners, but, even more so, how we can improve our abilities to provide our NAVSUP FLC San Diego team with the right tools and resources they need to do their job.”
During his opening remarks, Benson asked how many employees were attending for the first time and over half of the crowd raised their hands. Proving this setting integral for uniting command leadership.
Over the course of the offsite, supervisors engaged in discussions regarding telework and best practices, hiring processes, supervisor tools, technology updates and updates on ongoing process reviews. Due to the various changes in workplace environments during pandemic, this offsite afforded supervisors a forum for discussions on how best to navigate the transition. Supervisors participated in conversations regarding the new learning system, how to best engage employees who are teleworking and were provided with updates on warehouse safety regulations.
On the second day, Linda Willis, NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center San Diego command human resources liaison, met with supervisors to discuss hiring processes, answer questions and provide clarification on changes in policy.
Among the topics presented was warehouse reform initiatives, including Office of the Sectary of Defense sponsored Warehouse Utilization and the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense sponsored Navy 5G Smart Warehouse. The goal of warehouse utilization is to programmatically consolidate warehousing within each service, of which NAVSUP FLC San Diego was chosen to lead the Navy. Both the Executive Steering Committee and Integrated Product Team are assembled to develop detailed project plans to transfer resources and consolidate warehousing functions, workforces, policy and Financial Improvement and Audit Readiness compliance, regional footprint, and customer support strategy. As far as the 5G Smart Warehouse, each military branch received a 5G experiment to rapidly develop and demonstrate prototype 5G capabilities that will stimulate 5G interest in both the Department of Defense and the commercial world. The Navy’s portion is at NAVSUP FLC San Diego, as the 5G Smart Warehouse. 5G capabilities will be demonstrated by leveraging a 5G ultra-low latency network to automate inventories, autonomously move material, and improve the efficiencies of naval warehouse operations.
“The offsite was a great opportunity to discuss the subject matter with supervisors from across the command,” said Steven Burrill, Naval Base Coronado 5G smart warehouse logistics program lead, NAVSUP FLC San Diego. “By teaming up with another system command and various industry partners the project is expected to automate warehouse processes, improving our abilities to support the fleet and critical initiatives such as the Naval Sustainment System-Supply, and Warehouse Utilization project.”
At the end of the two-day event, supervisors having interacted with one another through hours of productive conversation, left with high hopes of returning for the next offsite next year.
NAVSUP FLC San Diego is one of eight FLCs under Commander, NAVSUP. Headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, NAVSUP employs a diverse, worldwide workforce of more than 25,000 military and civilian personnel. NAVSUP and the Navy Supply Corps conduct and enable supply chain, acquisition, operational logistics and Sailor & family care activities with our mission partners to generate readiness and sustain naval forces worldwide to prevent and decisively win wars. Learn more at www.navsup.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/navsup and https://twitter.com/navsupsyscom.