CRANE, Indiana –
On the third largest Navy installation in the world, Defense Logistics Agency Distribution is supporting a unique mission. DLA Distribution Norfolk, Va., at Crane, Ind., is providing distribution functions for some of the Navy’s top scientists and engineers , with items bolstering strategic missions, electronic warfare, and special missions.
The Crane detachment was established in May of 2010 in support of the Navy Warehouse Transfer Initiative to perform the distribution missions that were being performed by the Commander Fleet and Industrial Supply Centers and the regional Industrial Supply Centers.
DLA assumed the distribution functions associated with receipt, storage, Packing, Packaging, Preservation and Marking, and transportation. Additionally the site provides acquisition planning, contract support, and administration for any new contracts for commercial supplies and services.
“Supporting NSWC Crane in partnership with Naval Supply Systems Command provided DLA Distribution with a unique challenge and opportunity to support a very diverse customer base,” said Joe Whitfield, site director of DLA Distribution Norfolk, Va., at Crane. Roughly 43 percent of the material stored by the site is sponsor-owned material, which has very unique storage and transportation requirements, most considered “in-process.” In-process material requires frequent access, modification, re-identification, and movement to test facilities both on and off-base.
Because the NSWC scientists and engineers are required to have access to the material routinely, the PPP&M support personnel often work with them to develop new packaging requirements for material in development. Transportation employees understand and support off-site testing and movement of systems or components to fit within the scheduled requirements.
“Even our DPWs have opportunities to work with NSWC employees to properly identify material,” said Whitfield. “The success and resiliency of our site is built on a foundation of excellent customer support.”
“As the NAVSUP Site Director for Crane, I am extremely happy with the outstanding support I have received from DLA at Crane,” said David Laramie. “Our team here consists of members from DLA, NAVSUP and the Warfare Center OM&S team. We all work together to reach the goal of supporting the warfighter and I couldn't be happier with the support DLA provides. My personnel work hand in hand with Joe's team on a daily basis and our co-location makes the effort seamless. The service they provide NAVSUP ensures WSS material is provided to the Fleet as well as providing world class service to the Warfare Center.”
“These are exciting times at Crane,” concluded Whitfield. “We are looking forward to new partnerships with Naval Sea Systems Command, our fiscal year 2017 Financial Improvement and Audit Readiness requirements, and our optimization efforts. DLA Distribution Norfolk, Va., at Crane is thriving in a unique customer focused environment.”