Original Date: 05/20/2002
Revision Date: 01/18/2007

Without organic resources, the Maintenance and Logistics Command-Pacific developed a “one stop shopping” logistics support network. With the use of contractors and Husbanding Agents, the Coast Guard designed a Pacific Coast network where Coast Guard vessels can acquire needed fuel, parts, or services when needed without the use of a supply tender.

Without organic resources to support a fleet of ships in the Pacific Area, the Maintenance and Logistics Command- Pacific (MLCPAC) developed a “one stop shopping” logistics support network. The network consists of Husbanding Agents (HAs) and contractors that are stationed in the many ports that dot the western edge of the Pacific Ocean. When a cutter requires fuel, parts, or services, their needs are communicated to MLCPAC where the logistics support personnel manage the request by contacting an appropriate HA or contractor who fulfills the cutter’s logistics requirements.

The infrastructure implemented by MLCPAC is comprised of the latest information and communication technologies. Communication means such as cell phones, e-mail, personal digital assistants, and other similar devices are employed. When a cutter needs a part and is off the coast of Mexico, the cutter issues a logistics request and communicates the request via an appropriate means to MLCPAC. MLCPAC logistics personnel receive the request, acquire the needed material or service, and then communicate how the appropriate HA or contractor acquires the material or service. MLCPAC then either ships the needed material or pays for the needed fuel or material. The HA or contractor then makes available the needed material or service to the requesting cutter.

MLCPAC developed this means of logistics support in FY2000 with the advent of communication technologies, and it has proved successful for the Pacific region because of the broad geographic area that defines this area of the world. In managing the system, MLCPAC has leveraged Navy contracts which provide for many HAs along the Pacific Coast and contracted with many contractors in foreign ports for port call fueling requirements. Transportation companies such as Federal Express are used to deliver needed parts to wherever a Coast Guard vessel is ported, and the newest available means of money transfers or credit card technology is also used. MLCPAC developed a program that offers the Coast Guard fleet a “one-stop shopping” logistics support system.

For more information see the Point of Contact for this survey.