FORT BELVOIR, Va. –
The Defense Logistics Agency’s director of logistics operations participated in the Joint Sustainment and Supply Chain Forum, or JSSCF, a forum of senior logisticians from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand that promotes collaboration on critical supply chain and transformation issues between those nations, March 18-21 in Sydney, Australia.
Navy Rear Adm. Doug Noble, who also serves as the agency’s commander of joint regional combat support, briefed the gathered leaders on DLA’s role as America’s combat logistics support agency and shared what DLA is doing in the areas of supply chain resilience, digital-business transformation and foreign military sales. This marked the first time a DLA leader has participated in the JSSCF.
“As we continue to explore what will be needed to sustain warfighters in a contested logistics environment, it’s important to partner with like-minded nations to facilitate integrated deterrence, particularly in the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility,” Noble said. “Forums like this allow us to engage on what we’re doing and where we’re going to posture resources ahead of need.”
The five nations in attendance – collectively known as the Five Eyes alliance – each shared information on global supply chain transformation, regional sustainment framework opportunities, and strategies for assured logistics. The JSSCF was also an opportunity to exchange best practices and foster interoperable solutions in support of defense operations.
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Sustainment Christopher Lowman’s strategic plan includes efforts to identify best practices to support integrated deterrence among the Five Eyes partners. U.S. participation in this forum is one of many efforts supporting that effort. Noble said DLA’s involvement in the JSSCF and other partner forums is critical as operations in the region expand, to include a Marine rotational force in Darwin, Australia and the AUKUS partnership to provide nuclear submarines to Australia.
“As logisticians, we provide options to operational commanders to allow them freedom of movement and decision space,” he said. “Integrated deterrence and working with our allies and partners enable a lot of options. Collaboration thru forums like the JSSCF allows us to strengthen global supply chain interoperability, align on shared priorities, and sharpen our collective focus.”