Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Yokosuka Marines provided the critical link between forward deployed Marines and their required supplies Feb. 9 in Yokosuka.

Seven Marine liaisons attached to NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka optimize the supply chain process for all forward deployed Marines in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) on a daily basis.

"Our mission here is to provide value added, relevant and customized service to our customers," said U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Roy Crockett, NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka, Marine Liaison Detachment officer-in-charge (OIC).

A primary way these Marines are improving sustainment support is through the Navy Logistics Integration (NLI) process, which seeks to best utilize various logistics systems that make up the extensive defense distribution network.

"The Fleet Logistics Centers are the stepping stone to educating our customers on the integrated shipping pipelines that exist for material," said Gunnery Sgt. Allan Cayabyab, NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka, Marine Liaison Detachment senior noncommissioned officer-in-charge (SNCOIC). "The biggest thing for me is trying to get ground Marines to use the Navy pipeline."

Cayabyab's efforts mirror a larger Marine Corps initiative that seeks to integrate ground and aviation logistics processes in order to optimize readiness.

"We've opened a door for the MEU's (Marine Expeditionary Units) when they are traveling from San Diego to the Middle East," said Cayabyab. "When they come through this AOR they can contact one of our (NAVUP FLC Yokosuka) Marines and use this Navy system to get what they need."

"NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka has a lot of services they can utilize," Cayabyab added.

In today's austere budget environment it is important for all commands and customers to maximize on what is available to them.

"At the end of the day everyone is interested in saving money and getting the most value out of each logistician," said Crockett.

Implementing the NLI process will allow these few Marines stationed in Yokosuka to make a very large impact on a vast majority of forward deployed Marines by highlighting the shared capabilities for electronically requesting, processing and tracking material over the last tactical mile.

"The concept is bringing Navy and Marine Corps, ground and wing side, together to support any type of supply requirement," said Gunnery Sgt. Jarvis Rodriguez, NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka, Marine Liaison Detachment staff noncommissioned officer for distribution and logistics.

Naval expeditionary forces are encouraged to leverage the global logistics capabilities of NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka and use it as a primary source for materials and services required in support of missions in the Asia Pacific region.

"It is good to know that we are making an impact on the logistics world," said Rodriguez. "The future of supply, both wing and ground, lies with working with Navy and cross training so that the integration goes full circle."

NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka, one of eight fleet logistics centers under NAVSUP Global Logistics Support (GLS), is the Western Pacific region's largest U.S. Navy logistics command, headquartered just 26 miles due south of Tokyo, the enterprise networks more than 20 sites and fuel terminals from Misawa, Japan, to Sydney, Australia; Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean to Guam with a mission to serve the Asia Pacific Region's forward deployed maritime warfighter with around-the-clock logistics support.