NEX Guam Welcomes Ship’s Visit with Overwhelming Support

Photo By Kristine Sturkie | During the USS Theodore Roosevelt’s port call at Naval Base Guam, the ship requested the NEX’s help for a Sandbox Liberty on the pier. The NEX erected 18 tents totaling 12,200 sq. ft. that included LED lighting for each tent and 100 charging ports for cell phones and small electronics. The Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) is comprised of 14,000 personnel worldwide facilitating six business lines, NEX retail stores, the Navy Lodge Program, Telecommunications Program, Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility, Ships Store Program and the Uniform Program Management Office. (U.S. Navy photo by NEXCOM Public Affairs/Released)  

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA, UNITED STATES

02.16.2021

Story by Kristine Sturkie 

Navy Exchange Service Command

When USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) pulled into port at Naval Base Guam at the end of January, NEX Guam was ready to ensure the crew had what it needed to make the visit enjoyable.

“The NEX is always ready to support a ship or crew when it pulls into port,” said Lisa Ballejo, General Manager, NEX Guam. “With the on-going pandemic, how we assist a ship and her crew has changed and increased because of the importance of keeping everyone healthy. We are happy to help in any way possible.”

With less than four days’ notice, NEX Guam was able to ensure the ship’s crew had high quality food while in port. The NEX food service provided 6,000 Subway sandwiches, 6,000 Popeye’s chicken sandwiches and 2,160 pizzas during the 4-day span.

“Our food service team worked hard to fulfill the ship’s order in just a couple days,” said Ballejo. “We are looking forward to expanding our food selection with local food vendors so we can offer more assortment for the next ship that visits.”

While in port, the ship also requested the NEX’s help for a Sandbox Liberty on the pier. In response to that request, the NEX erected 18 tents totaling 12,200 sq. ft. that included LED lighting for each tent and 100 charging ports for cell phones and small electronics. The NEX food service department also supplied the ship’s food order to feed the hungry crew.

Finally, since the ship’s crew couldn’t visit the NEX in person to purchase the merchandise they wanted before heading back out to sea, the NEX offered its Quarantine Program. The NEX Quarantine Program allows Sailors to order and pay for merchandise online for free delivery to the ship. The NEX filled 2,722 orders, about 30 pallets of merchandise, for USS Theodore Roosevelt Sailors. Most of the orders were received and delivered the same day.

“I’m proud of how my team came together to ensure the crew of the USS Theodore Roosevelt had what they needed while here in Guam,” said Ballejo. “The NEX is here to support the U.S. Navy and its Sailors. We look forward to extending that support to the next ship that pulls into port.”

• Date Taken: 02.16.2021
• Date Posted: 02.16.2021 10:22
• Story ID: 389080
• Location: VIRGINIA BEACH, VA, US