Introduction to Fleet Logistics Support in Naval Operations

Naval forces are among the most responsive, flexible, powerful, and independent tools of national policy. U.S. Navy forces contribute decisively to global leadership. Through power projection and presence, our naval forces support our national interests abroad. A strong naval team capable of deterrence and contingency operations at sea, from the sea, and in operations other than war is essential to this effort. Key to the strength of this team is fleet logistics support, provided by trained personnel within an intricate network of materiel, facilities, transportation, technical support, and information.

Benefits of Fleet Logistics Support in Naval Operations

Fleet logistics Support builds and sustains our forces, in readiness and in action. Effective fleet logistics Support enables us to carry out the Navy and Marine Corps’ assigned roles. It supports our ability to conduct continuous forward presence, peacetime engagement, deterrence operations, and timely crisis response from the challenging maritime and littoral environment. Through our Fleet logistics Support systems, Navy and Marine Corps striking power is always available, and always sustainable through an established support.

An extensive defense distribution system comprised of military bases at home and abroad, combat fleet logistics support ships, and expeditionary support forces including airlift and sealift, as well as resources from sister Services, host nations, and commercial contractors provide the means for this projection power. Sustained forward deployment of naval forces also allows our nation to pursue regional coalition-building and collective security efforts. Thus, fleet logistics Support must be able to provide and receive support within a variety of organizational structures. Consequently, fleet logistics Support systems are increasingly critical to support mutual readiness and capability, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of our combat operations.

Fleet logistics Support in Naval operations are conducted much the same in peace as they are in war. They support and sustain the war fighter whenever and wherever, differing mainly in the magnitude of the requirements placed on the logistics systems and the level and types of threat to which these systems are exposed. A viable, accessible, and ready reserve of trained personnel and effective equipment, and reliable sources of war materiel, must back active logistics forces. These resources must also include agreements and understandings that permit the sharing of logistics resources among other services, other nations, and the private sector of all engaged nations.

To participate in and benefit from effective Fleet logistics Support system, supported and supporting commanders need to understand the mission, scope, and different levels of logistics support. In addition, one needs to understand the functional areas, the process elements, the guiding principles, and the conceptual background driving the current evolution of naval logistics.

Mission of Fleet Logistics Support in Naval Operations

The mission of Fleet Logistics Support is to provide and sustain the operational readiness of our naval forces, and to support the operational readiness of other forces as directed. In peace, operational readiness enables our naval forces to accomplish a wide variety of missions—independently or in conjunction with other services, agencies, allies, or coalition partners. In war, this same operational readiness is the root of war fighting effectiveness; it makes victory possible. The Nature and Fundamentals of Fleet Logistics Support in Naval Operations or Effective logistics is a force multiplier, allowing the commander to maintain greater masses of power in harm’s way for longer periods. This is accomplished through optimizing readiness at best value while providing responsive maintenance and sustainment. Fleet logistics Support has historically provided the full range of fleet logistics support to naval forces. Additionally, Fleet logistics support forces provide sealift for the projection and sustainment of naval and non-naval force.

Conclusion

In order for Fleet logistics Support to effectively carry out its mission of providing and sustaining operational readiness, the war fighter needs to share a common understanding of the basic nature and principles governing logistics operations. The levels, functional areas, and process elements identify the macro components that make up the total Fleet logistics Support system. The principles that govern Fleet logistics support provide the authoritative framework that governs the formation and employment of logistics forces. Support of the operational mission and the commander’s intent is inherent in the principles of responsiveness, flexibility, attainability, sustainability, and survivability. Recognition of the need for efficiency in the application of limited resources is inherent in the principles of simplicity and economy. Properly balanced, these competing interests channel the Fleet logistics Support services towards success and optimum readiness at the best overall value to the Navy.