YOKOSUKA, Japan –
As part of an effort to increase support to the warfighter, Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Yokosuka, Japan, is preparing to manage Japan’s Transportation Protective Service program. This effort gives DLA responsibility for freight within mainland Japan that requires TPS, including classified, sensitive, and hazardous material.
DLA Distribution Yokosuka has been working jointly with United States Transportation Command, 515th Air Mobility Operations Wing, and the 730th Air Mobility Squadron on this initiative.
Earlier this summer, the distribution center, along with the 730th AMS completed their inaugural run of the program.
Navy Lt.j.g. Hannah Ringel and Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Fernando Mercader observed the process with their 730th AMS counterpart, as material was loaded onto a commercial Common User Land Transportation truck.
The team escorted the CULT truck over 700 kilometers, using the trip to collect data, including vehicle mileage, toll fares, rest stop locations and general escorting protocol. Once the team arrived at their location, they observed the offload and turnover of material at the Air Terminal Operations Center.
The following day, the team picked up two pallets of TPS material from ATOC before completing the return trip. “The overall trip was a success,” said Ringel. “We worked on our coordination with AMC and ATOC, the local base policies, and the ‘rules of the road’ while escorting a CULT vehicle.
Extensive planning was conducted with Air Mobility Command, DLA Distribution, and other stakeholders, including a funding analysis, identifying vehicle and personnel resources, developing a concept of operations and inter-service agreement, as well as developing escort trip and contingency plans. Weekly runs will eventually occur between several inland facilities.
Since the inaugural TPS run, DLA Distribution Yokosuka has performed an unaccompanied run. The team made an intermediate stop, where they turned over material to Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12. “After our recent trips, DLA Distribution Yokosuka, Japan is positioned to manage Japan’s Transportation Protective Service program,” concluded Ringel.