JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM –
Marine Corps units in Okinawa recently received cable assemblies critical to communications and electrical systems thanks to the Defense Logistics Agency’s excess property stores and the collaboration of its global network of reverse logisticians.
Assemblies had been backordered by the Marines with projected delivery dates extending into 2027. But thanks to the proactive reutilization of excess DOD property available through the DLA Disposition Services office in Barstow, California, the high-value items were quickly identified and redistributed to meet the Marines’ urgent operational needs.
Samantha Sprowl, a property disposal specialist at the Barstow site, was instrumental in locating and coordinating the timely release of the cable assemblies. The assemblies were originally received by DLA in mid-May and the window for reuse was rapidly closing when the Marine Corps reached out for the items June 25. In fact, the items had already been marked for downgrading to scrap. Despite the status change, Sprowl was able to locate the assemblies still physically on-site. Recognizing their potential mission impact, she immediately set the items aside, confirmed the correct specifications, and generated a new document for the items, which were re-inducted July 10. Once the property was repopulated to RTDWeb, Sprowl shared the information with the requesting unit.
Her efforts exemplify the critical behind-the-scenes work that ensures rapid support to the warfighter. The seamless exchange of information and collaborative problem-solving, including status code adjustments, ensured the cables were made available just in time to support the mission.
“This successful effort exemplifies how cross-agency collaboration and proactive communication lead to efficient solutions that directly support our Marines on the ground,” said Pat Leverett, the area manager at DLA Disposition Services Okinawa. “By working closely with our partners across the Indo-Pacific region and leveraging the Reutilization, Transfer and Donation program, we’re able to provide mission-critical assets quickly, saving both time and taxpayer dollars.”
The communication between the Okinawa and Barstow offices, the agency’s Indo-Pacific region team, and the major sub-command’s Battle Creek headquarters on behalf of Camp Kinser-based warfighters shows the impact of DLA’s RTD program and excess equipment as a vital supply chain.
“The RTD program’s flexibility is what makes it so valuable. We were able to help the warfighter avoid an 18-month delay and save $30,000, all with just seven days left on the 45-day clock,” said Matthew Woodward, Okinawa Regional Liaison Officer for DLA Indo-Pacific. “One of the biggest challenges is encouraging units to take the time to establish their accounts and set up search criteria for critical parts. That’s why success stories like this are so important; they help show just how impactful RTD can be for mission success.”
The “45-day clock” is a key part of DLA’s screening process for excess property. Once items enter the system, they move through set periods where different customers have exclusive access to request them. For example, DOD gets the first 14 days, followed by federal agencies and special programs. The final days open for all qualified donation customers on a first-come, first-served basis. This structured timeline ensures fair opportunity while keeping the process moving efficiently.
For overseas locations like Okinawa, a similar screening cycle applies, with the last days reserved for all eligible customers. If property isn’t claimed within this window, it may be downgraded or destroyed.
Reutilization supports readiness and lethality by enabling eligible customers to acquire excess property, saving millions of dollars annually and reducing the need for costly new procurement. By offering access to a wide range of reusable items, from everyday supplies to specialized equipment like these cable assemblies, the program directly enhances operational effectiveness and mission focus across the force.
Through continuous communication, shared goals, and mutual support, DLA Disposition Services and the Marine Corps Supply Management Unit it supports continue to demonstrate how smart stewardship of resources translates into tangible mission success. The reutilization of these mission-critical cable assemblies not only saves taxpayer dollars, but it also directly strengthens the capabilities of those serving on the front lines.
As for the customer, the Marine Corps Supply Management Unit plays a critical role in sustaining operational readiness by serving as the intermediate supply node between wholesale-level inventory and end user. Tasked with maintaining stock positioned forward, the SMU shortens requisition cycle times and ensures rapid material availability in support of forward-deployed forces. Its proximity to the warfighter makes it a strategic hub and often a natural chokepoint within the Marine Corps supply chain.
In this case, the requirement was designated as a high priority RTD requisition, with a targeted delivery window of less than 30 days to OCONUS forces. That urgency underscored the need for swift cross-agency coordination to close a critical logistics gap before it impacted mission execution.
“Our mission is to ensure that every possible resource is optimized to support the warfighter,” said DLA Disposition Services Indo-Pacific Director Faron Cordrey. “This accomplishment reflects the dedication of our teams to smart resource management and partnership. Reutilizing these specialized cable assemblies not only preserves valuable funding but also delivers the equipment our Marines need without delay.”