SAN DIEGO - Navy Region Southwest Reserve Component Command (RCC SW) named Naval Operational Support Centers (NOSCs) Port Hueneme and Point Mugu "NOSCs of the Year" for calendar year 2011 in the large and small categories respectively, with NOSC Port Hueneme winning the overall RCC SW "NOSC of the Year" award.
Capt. Marco Cromartie, RCC SW commanding officer, presented the awards to the NOSC commanding officers and senior enlisted leaders on January 12, during the RCCSW Command Leadership Conference in San Diego.
“The entire NOSC team was honored and humbled by the award,” said Capt. Ronald Oswald, NOSC Port Hueneme commanding officer. “We are just one of many NOSCs working to fulfill the mission.”
There are 20 NOSCs in the southwest region that vie for this honor: seven large-group NOSCs, described as supporting more than 700 Reservists, six in the medium category serving 251 to 699 Reservists, and seven in the small group that manage up to 250 Reservists. NOSC San Jose won for the medium group.
“I’m very proud of the hard work and dedication that our staff has put into ensuring that our SELRES (Selected Reserve) sailors are ready and prepared to mobilize,” said Cmdr. Rodney Woodward, NOSC Point Mugu commanding officer.
RCC SW judges the NOSCs in overall mission readiness by looking at every department: Command Leadership, Administration, Supply and Logistics, Training, Manpower and Respay, and Medical.
“One key preparation was that our first and second class sailors stepped forward to take leadership roles in their departments. Ownership of the mission by our petty officers was the key to maintaining quality customer service to our selected reserve sailors,” Oswald said.
“(It is) how we manage all our 29 reserve units to ensure they are mission ready,” said Master Chief Petty Officer Terry Delacruz, NOSC Port Hueneme command master chief. He said that many of Hueneme’s departmental programs are used as examples for other NOSCs in the region.
NOSC Point Mugu serves 11 Reserve units.
“The NOSC team prepared by fully engaging in each possible training event, coordination meeting and unit readiness stand down. By ensuring communication and coordination at every level, the team became more effective in their departments,” said Oswald.
Both commanding officers credit communication and customer service at all levels as essential factors to their success.
The NOSCs are both located on the two bases of Navy Base Ventura County (NVBC).
“As a tenant command, we get all the support needed from NBVC,” said Delacruz.
NBVC ensures that facilities are made available on reserve weekends to accommodate the Reservists. Everything from the galley and berthing to the exchange and workout facilities are open on the weekend, and Reservists are encouraged to use the other support offices such as the legal office and family services as needed.
“Capt. James McHugh and his staff have always been very supportive of both NOSCs onboard NBVC. Our reserve units have some unique requirements, and we get outstanding support from NBVC,” Woodward said.
The two NOSCs work together on many programs and events such as the annual Family Readiness and Warrior Recognition Day. This is a large event for recently returning sailors and their families, as well as the families of those deployed. They are recognized and honored, and exhibits are set up to make reservists aware of the many programs available to them.
“NOSC Port Hueneme and NOSC Point Mugu work well together because the Sailors seek common ground and common solutions. We recognize the great benefit of combining resources and pooling efforts,” Oswald said. “There are great sailors on both staffs and working together, we can provide the best service to our Selected Reservists.”