USS John C. Stennis leverages logistics hub in Sri Lanka

An E-2C Hawkeye assigned to the “Liberty Bells” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 115, of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11, prepares to take off from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) on 19 June, in the Pacific Ocean. CVW 11 is conducting carrier qualifications aboard John C. Stennis. John C. Stennis is underway preparing for its next scheduled deployment – Pic courtesy Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Joshua Leonard

A C-2A Greyhound from Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 30, Detachment 3 of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 prepares to land on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) on 21 June, Pacific Ocean. CVW 11 is conducting carrier qualifications aboard John C. Stennis. John C. Stennis is underway preparing for its next scheduled deployment – Pic courtesy MC3 Grant G. Grady

Indian Ocean: Taking advantage of a growing naval partnership with Sri Lanka, the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) established a logistics hub in Sri Lanka to receive support, supplies and services at sea.

A C-2 Greyhound carrier onboard delivery aircraft accessed the hub’s strategic location before bringing supplies to John C. Stennis. Established on a temporary basis in the island nation, the hub provides logistics support to US Navy ships operating in the Indian Ocean.

The temporary air logistics hub concept allows for a use of an airstrip and storage facilities to receive large-scale shipments to move out in various directions in smaller shipments, allowing ships to continue operating at sea by receiving the right material at the right place and time. The hub can also be established to provide expeditionary logistics support during humanitarian and disaster relief missions (HADR).

“The primary purpose of the operation is to provide mission-critical supplies and services to U.S. Navy ships transiting through and operating in the Indian Ocean,” said Lt. Bryan Ortiz, John C. Stennis’ stock control division officer. “The secondary purpose is to demonstrate the U.S. Navy’s ability to establish a temporary logistics hub ashore where no enduring US Navy logistics footprint exists.”

The air logistics hub was first operated in August when USS Anchorage (LPD 23) visited Trincomalee, Sri Lanka and supported the Essex Amphibious Ready Group as it transited the western boundary of the 7th Fleet area of operations.

“The log hub is a great opportunity to leverage private industry in Sri Lanka to enhance the U.S. Navy’s operational reach,” said Lt. Austin Gage, 7th Fleet Logistics Readiness Cell chief. “We are generating standard operating procedures to optimise our supply chain to be more agile and mobile and utilise strategic locations in the Indian Ocean.” 

Building the necessary logistical footprint requires cooperation from all sides of the operation.

“In addition to the deployed team, we have had excellent support from the fantastic professionals at the supporting agencies: Naval Supply Systems Command, Commander, Naval Air Forces, US Embassy staff; this has truly been a global effort,” said Gage. “The Sri Lankan people have been incredibly hospitable hosts as we work on this shared endeavour.”

John C. Stennis Sailors play a major role in expanding the logistics hub concept. Moving forward, the team hopes to set a logistical standard for US Navy vessels operating in the Indian Ocean.

“The cumulative efforts of numerous stakeholders to facilitate the logistics hub in Sri Lanka will pay dividends for all future transiting units in addition to make our Navy more sustainable and a more formidable force throughout the Pacific theater,” said Lt. Cmdr. Frederick Espy, Commander Task Force 70 Maintenance, Material, Logistics, Readiness representative.