Logistics cell critical to the mission
Five ADF members are part of a multinational team of about 40 surface logistics personnel providing essential support to the 40 ships operating from Pearl Harbor, Hawaii during Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC).
CAPTION: Lieutenant David Gouge talks with other members in the Multi-National Logistics Support Element during Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2024, in Hawaii. Story by Lieutenant Carolyn Martin. Photos by Corporal Nicole Dorrett.
The logisticians are responsible for moving vital supplies from shore to ship and vice versa, including food, fuel, stores and ammunition.
Royal Australian Navy Maritime Logistics Officer Lieutenant David Gouge said the combined logistics team was working well together to assist every platform taking part in the world’s biggest and most complex maritime exercise.
“We assist with ships getting their logistical support – any parts, it could be anything from missiles to Mars Bars; we can track movement from their home country to a warehouse here. We can collect the item, assist with it clearing customs, then deliver the item to the requesting unit,” Lieutenant Gouge said.
The logistics cell has been busy providing a three or four-person, multi-nation greeting party to each of the 40 ships as they arrive into Pearl Harbor. The team meets with the ship’s supply officer to ensure they are receiving the assistance they require.
“It’s been quite a heavy workload in the lead-up to the exercise. We’re moving over 200 pallets in a day but the team here is very well trained and we have integrated well together,” Lieutenant Gouge said.
He said it had been fantastic working with colleagues from other countries.
“Every nation has slightly different procedure but we have been prioritising communicating well and communicating regularly,” Lieutenant Gouge said.
“We have a morning synch meeting and then we will have a ‘hot wash’ wrap-up in the afternoon. That’s where we discuss, with complete transparency, the missions for the day and the outcomes we need to achieve.”
US Navy Senior Chief Michael Massey is the senior enlisted exercise lead of the Surface Logistics Cell for the Multi-National Logistics Support Element (MLSE) and is a veteran of eight RIMPACs.
Senior Chief Massey described the Australian logistics military personnel as the “workhorses of the MLSE”.
“We ask for people who are willing to get their hands dirty and move some boxes and the Aussies are always willing to help out and do whatever it takes,” Senior Chief Massey said.
He’s expecting a very busy month ahead going on his experience at previous RIMPACs.
“In 2022, for example, we moved 1665 pallets of goods – general stores and food,” Senior Chief Massey said.
“There were 131 mission critical parts moved through the logistics support cell. That means without those parts a ship would not have been able to undertake its mission.
“And there were 378 high value repair parts moved, items that needed to be sent back to the manufacturer for repairs or to be replaced.”
Lieutenant Gouge said the international teams had been very well received by the US Navy.
“They’ve allowed us to integrate well. And the hospitality we have received has been second to none.”
CAPTION: The Multi-National Logistics Support Element personnel plan the movements of mission critical equipment, food, water and other essential logistic components during Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024, in Hawaii, Snr Chief Michael Massey, US Navy is 2nd from right.
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