YOKOSUKA, Japan –
One of the most unique opportunities leadership in DLA Distribution Centers positioned outside the United States have is the sharing of logistics’ concepts through multi-national, Key Leadership Engagements. One such engagement for DLA Distribution Yokosuka, Japan was with the Japan Chapter of the International Society of Logistics or SOLE, on May 25, 2018. A total of 26 members of the Society visited DLA Distribution Yokosuka, Japan to learn and observe the operation and to exchange views and thoughts as professional logisticians.
SOLE is a non-profit international professional society composed of individuals organized to enhance the art and science of logistics technology, education and management. SOLE has a presence in more than 50 countries throughout the world. It has also partnered with the U.S. Army’s Logistics University to provide qualification standards for the Army’s Demonstrated Logistician (DemLog) Program. Designations are based upon logistics experience, formal civilian education and military training.
Japan Chapter SOLE members are made up of Japan Military Self-Defense Force officers and officials, Japan Defense Academy professors, official institute fellows, researchers, university professors and commercial company CEOs.
Roy Jewell, deputy commander of DLA Distribution Yokosuka, Japan, who is also an Army DemLog Demonstrated Master Logistician, welcomed the members and provided them with a command brief. Senior Japanese civilian personnel from Yokosuka’s Receiving section, Packing & Preservation section, Freight Terminal section and Storage section highlighted the center’s core operations during the facility tour.
SOLE members observed operation, while leadership explained how superior storage and distribution solutions are provided through the strength of Yokosuka’s diversified workforce, and an uncompromising focus on safety, to all U.S. Department of Defense services in the Pacific, as well as supporting Japanese allies through the Foreign Military Sales program.
The tour encompassed a walk through one of Yokosuka’s historical buildings, Building J-39, which used to house The Imperial Japanese Navy submarines during World War II. This building served as one of the main building on Yokosuka Naval Base, formerly knows as Yokosuka Naval Arsenal, when the Japanese Navy operated the base through August, 1945.
DLA Distribution Yokosuka personnel and Japan Chapter, SOLE members interacted with each other and built a positive relationship by asking and answering questions. The experience enhanced knowledge and understanding as professional logisticians and added another valuable asset and link for Yokosuka’s leadership’s professional development.