From the DLA Distribution 2009 Archives: DDNV’s Inter-modal hub opens in October 2009

NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa. –

Defense Logistics Agency Distribution is celebrating 25 years of support to the warfighter and our nation. Originally named Defense Distribution Center, DDC was officially stood up on October 1, 1997, in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania after a lengthy study of potential locations for the consolidated Defense Distribution Center headquarters. Throughout the next year of our silver anniversary, we’ll highlight the many successes this great organization has accomplished, through archived articles, photos and social media posts.

The Fleet Industrial Supply Center, Norfolk Ocean Terminal seamlessly transitioned its Navy facilities, personnel and operations to Defense Distribution Center, Defense Distribution Depot Norfolk, Virginia and in October 2009, officially reopened its doors as the DDNV, Inter-modal hub.

The IMH will operate a cross-dock facility to receive, process, consolidate and containerize export cargo into sea van containers or palletize onto 463L air pallets, as well as document and ship export cargo for military and foreign military customers via the defense transportation system.

DDNV will operate an import function which will be responsible for receiving sea van containers. The sea vans will be received and stripped, shipments receipted, consolidated, documented, routed and shipped to activities within the continental United States.

In addition, DDNV will operate an ocean terminal providing sustainment ship load planning, stevedoring, stowing and associated loading and discharging services for the United States fleet to include naval vessels, combat logistics forces ships, Marine expeditionary units and Military Sealift Command leased vessels, as well as support special missions such as the annual Air Force Greenland resupply called Pacer Goose.

To further improve effectiveness and efficiency, DDC successfully activated its joint information system, Distribution Standard System, with consolidation and containerization point modules, designed to support this new mission. The use of DSS will reduce or eliminate the manual processes performed by the IMH, while at the same time increase communication and visibility within the Defense Department.

“As the DDNV IMH operation transferred, performance was maintained,” said Navy Capt. Brad Bellis, DDNV commander. “The full CCP containerization process, as well as the regular out load of trucks in support of Pier 8 ship offload operations, was completed successfully.”

“The IMH workforce has gone the extra mile to ensure that mission operations and cargo-hold items will remain responsive to customer requirements,” concluded Bellis.