NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa. –
As part of their educational program, the Advanced Study of Air Mobility students are given the opportunity to visit key installations that are at the forefront of defense logistics.
One such opportunity was their visit to Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Susquehanna, Pennsylvania, where they spent the day learning about the vast operation at DDSP and toured the Eastern Distribution Center, the largest warehouse in the Defense Department.
After a command brief presentation and question and answer period, students toured the EDC where they saw material processing, receipt and packing, staging, and modernization efforts underway.
According to the ASAM program description the goal is to cultivate a core of officers with an in-depth education in operations management, quantitative decision making, and critical thinking skills to lead the Air Force into the future. It is an Intermediate Developmental Education program that is managed and taught through AFIT giving the students in-residence IDE credit and a Master of Science degree in operations management. These programs not only provide a deep understanding of the complexities involved in air mobility but also offer a chance to witness firsthand the logistical infrastructure that supports these operations.
DDSP serves as the Department of Defense’s largest strategic distribution platform, providing storage and distribution support and solutions to Warfighters and valued customers globally. The center provides materiel management and distribution services for mission critical items including military and commercial repair parts, industrial hardware, medical supplies, tires, aerial delivery equipment, and multiple other commodities optimizing all resources with a focus on safety, quality, and continuous process improvement.
During their tour students get a unique chance to see logistical operations in action. They witness the processes that ensure the right supplies reach the right places at the right time, crucial not just for peacetime operations but also during emergencies and conflicts.
This visit is more than an educational field trip said Air Force Lt. Col. Amanda Femano, assistant professor of Logistics and Supply Chain Logistics Management at the Air Force Institute of Technology.
“It’s an investment in the future leadership of the Air Force. By understanding the intricacies of the supply chain and logistics management, our students are better equipped to lead, strategize, and make decisions that impact national defense. As the Air Force continues to evolve, these visits play a crucial role in ensuring that the next generation of leaders is well-prepared to face the logistical challenges and make informed decisions,” said Femano.