DLA leaders visit Africa to assess buildup of logistics support

Courtesy Photo | A stevedore moves a container holding humanitarian assistance supplies for Operation United Assistance, the U.S. government effort to combat Ebola in West Africa. DLA Director Navy Vice Adm. Mark Harnitchek and DLA Logistics Operations Director Navy Rear Adm. Vince Griffith visited sites in Monrovia and Senegal Oct. 10-12. Courtesy photo  

MONROVIA, LIBERIA

10.10.2014

Story by DLA Public Affairs 

Defense Logistics Agency   

MONROVIA, Liberia - Defense Logistics Agency Director Navy Vice Adm. Mark Harnitchek visited Monrovia and Senegal Oct. 10-12 to examine in-theater logistics infrastructure and capabilities and assist in the ramp up of logistics support and pre-positioning of supplies that will be used to help fight the Ebola virus in West Africa.

Units selected to deploy in support of Operation United Assistance, such as the 101st Airborne Division, are in the process of pre-deployment training and preparation, but DLA was part of the first group on the ground in late September. The early arrival was critical for the rapid establishment of in-country distribution operations and identification of sources of supply.

“DLA is uniquely qualified to handle this mission. After Hurricane Sandy and the earthquake in Haiti, we’ve really honed our ability to get into a location early, assess and provide resources quickly and efficiently,” Harnitchek said.

The director was joined by DLA Logistics Operations Director Navy Rear Adm. Vince Griffith and officials from U.S. Africa Command, which is coordinating support between the Department of Defense and U.S. Agency for International Development.

The group met with DLA Distribution employees performing warehouse operations at an intermediate staging base at Leopold Sedar Senghor International Airport in Dakar, Senegal. They also visited local vendors as well as seaports and airports to assess infrastructure capabilities.

DLA has already put initial supplies of food, water, cots, tents and insect repellant on the ground in Monrovia and has purchased material for the construction of Ebola treatment facilities.

“Working with industry on this effort has been huge,” Harnitchek said. “We’ve put more than $50 million into parts and supplies into warehouses provided by Crowley Corporation. Our contracted steamer the Vega should be arriving in Monrovia Friday, and it's carrying 690 containers of supplies, parts and equipment. Having the ability to contract that quickly and get things moving is essential to crisis response.”

While DLA employees are not performing missions that put them or their equipment in direct contact with Ebola patients, Harnitchek and Griffith were among the first from DoD to follow screening and monitoring guidance issued by the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Both leaders are required to perform temperature and symptoms checks twice a day for 21 days after the visit.

Harnitchek stressed DLA’s adherence to the procedures used to monitor the health of those returning from Ebola-stricken areas.

“I can tell you, we will follow all the rules on this and take all necessary steps to protect our folks. Although the risk of catching this disease is very low we're taking these requirements very seriously,” he said.

• Date Taken: 10.10.2014
• Date Posted: 10.30.2014 10:31
• Story ID: 146550
• Location: MONROVIA, LR