FLC Reserve Sailors Show Their Mettle Aboard USS Russell

Sailors assigned to the Reserve Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Yokosuka have made a name for themselves by helping ships stationed at Naval Base San Diego provide logistical support including running inventories, moving supplies and keeping up with supply administrative paperwork.

This was just another weekend for an enthusiastic group of Navy Reservists showing their mettle aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Russell (DDG 59).

 “In April they came and helped us with our inventory,” said Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Charletta Harter, Russel’s supply department assistant leading petty officer. “If they didn’t help us out, our days would have had to been pushed back because our inventory wasn’t finished.”

Reserve Logistics Specialist (LS) Sailors have supported critical fleet operations. Harter said the group has helped the ship stay on schedule providing assistance while in the shipyards this past April.

Once a month the Reservists report to the Russell for their two-day drill weekend and have become a critical asset for the active duty LS’s aboard the ship.

Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Manuel Gonzalez, a Reservist assigned to FLC Yokosuka, said the active duty counterparts in San Diego have witnessed the great work done by Reservists.

 “It’s been about three years that we’ve been supporting all the ships,” said Gonzalez. “They know that we know how to work. They feel really comfortable and like us. The word is out about FLC Yokosuka that we are expert LS’s.”

Harter also explained that the group has helped the ship stay on schedule providing assistance while in the shipyards this past April.

The Reserve Sailors also benefit from the Russell experience as they gain valuable hands-on training and become mobilization ready.

Logistics Specialist Seaman Apprentice Brittany Jackson, assigned to FLC Yokosuka, said that she appreciates the opportunity to see what logistics specialists actually do in the fleet.

 “For me, I went to ‘A’ school and then I went to Reserves, but you don’t really get to see what LS’s do,” Jackson said. “Here you get to see the physical work.”

Harter said having this teamwork improves the Navy. “If they are learning their rate, then they are going to be successful.”

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Press Release, June 11, 2013; Image: US Navy