MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE ALBANY, GA -- Marine Corps Logistics Command plays a pivotal role as the Distribution Manager for the Marine Corps, significantly influencing the "Fight Tonight" capability. At the forefront of this strategic endeavor is the Enterprise Distribution Division (EDD) within LOGCOM's G-3/5, serving as the execution agent for all distribution equities across the service enterprise. Comprising a globally positioned team of seasoned logisticians, Distribution Process Advocates, and Distribution Process Expeditors (DPEs), the EDD orchestrates a responsive distribution environment throughout the Defense Transportation System, ensuring timely support for the warfighter at the point of need. The EDD's responsibilities include continuously monitoring thousands of actively moving assets, utilizing its global presence to overcome distribution challenges, and meticulously planning future movements for exercises and contingency evolutions.
In a demonstration of EDD's core capabilities, the division effectively harnessed its resources and extensive knowledge of distribution networks to orchestrate a Special Assignment Airlift Mission (SAAM) in support of Marine Corps Systems Command’s (MARCORSYSCOM) Navy/Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS) program office. NMESIS, a critical Marine Corps Force Design 2030 strategy component, empowers units such as the 3d Marine Littoral Regiment (MLR) to fortify coastal regions and chokepoints within the Weapon Engagement Zone (WEZ). Meeting Force Design requirements, the Commandant mandated MARCORSYSCOM to deliver the NMESIS New Equipment Training (NET) package to the 3d MLR at Marine Corps Base (MCB) Hawaii by the end of fiscal year 2023, enabling the timely commencement of the Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E) scheduled until April 2024.
The program office initially planned for equipment delivery via SAAM to meet the stringent delivery timeline. However, unforeseen high-priority missions, including Presidential Determination (PD) cargo movement for Ukraine support and the President of the United States (POTUS) movement to Europe, drew on strategic airlift resources, rendering the SAAM option untenable until mid-October, well beyond the Required Delivery Date (RDD).
Recognizing the critical nature of the fielding effort, the EDD promptly explored alternative options, leveraging joint and strategic partnerships at the Headquarters Marine Corps (HQMC) and U.S. Transportation Command (USTC) levels, along with its unique network of Distribution Process Advocates. The EDD's adept coordination resulted in a dynamic lift solution, brokered through existing relationships with USTC and Travis Air Force Base (AFB). The Travis AFB terminal manager and on-site DPE, acting as the channel hub, facilitated the NMESIS system fielding by leveraging available space on channel aircraft. In less than 72 hours, a synchronized effort involving LOGCOM, MARCORSYSCOM, 60th Aerial Port Squadron (APS) from Travis AFB, and Camp Pendleton's Distribution Management Office seamlessly transferred cargo, overcoming time and distance logistical challenges.
The Distribution Expediter at Travis AFB, a part of the Distribution Management Support Services (DMSS) contract managed at the EDD, served as the Marine Corps liaison on the ground, managing equipment upon arrival and ensuring lift requirements were met under stringent timelines. Simultaneously, the Marine Corps Air Clearance Authority, located in the EDD headquarters staff, actively processed necessary impact statements to ensure all cargo was properly cleared in the Financial Air Clearance Tracking System (FACTS).
The NMESIS system was delivered ahead of schedule, providing valuable preparation time for MARCORSYSCOM and enhanced overall fielding success. Without the swift coordination and collaborative efforts of all involved, the outcome would have entailed wasted travel funding and a loss of valuable hands-on training time for the Marines responsible for fielding the system. The EDD's rapid and effective actions fortified Littoral forces' readiness posture and set a precedent for future equipment fielding endeavors and their ability to swiftly adapt and capitalize on the depth of its network underscores its pivotal role in sustaining the Marine Corps' strategic readiness in a dynamic global landscape.