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PHILADELPHIA — Logistics Management Specialist Lauren Klein is helping Naval Supply System Weapon Systems Support (NAVSUP WSS) convert training and disciplined sustainment into faster support for the fleet.
Her portfolio links Communications Security (COMSEC) user training with item-management actions on critical avionics and data-transfer systems, tightening pipelines and improving availability for warfighters.
Klein’s COMSEC work centers on the Communications Equipment Request Modernization (CERM) portal. She developed and delivered practical training that stresses correct message formats, document discipline, and step-by-step submission instructions.
“CERM reduced the number of errors on previous naval messages and sped up the process from start to finish,” Klein said. “We saw requisitions filled 50 percent faster, which is incredible.”
The curriculum gives sailors and civilians quick access to historical and current messages, improving troubleshooting and status visibility.
Klein’s lessons learned emphasize repeatable methods. First, train the workforce on exact submission steps to prevent rework and delays. Second, synchronize forecasts, funding, and repair capacity so high-value items are postured before demand spikes. Third, hold routine performance reviews that keep government and industry aligned on the metrics that matter.
“A major lesson learned is that innovative thinking can lead to major accomplishments, like CERM,” Klein said. “Through close collaboration between the Naval Communication Material System (NCMS), COMSEC Material Issue Office (CMIO) and Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP), the team enhanced secure-communications accountability and strengthened logistics integration in support of the fleet readiness”
Beyond training, Klein connects policy, contracting, and production to address material constraints. She coordinates planning for high-demand avionics, including ARC-210 configurations and performance-based logistics actions. Forecast alignment covers approximately $60.6 million in requirements, positioning repair activity and funding to meet operational timelines. That posture protects availability for essential line items and reduces the risk of future gaps.
Klein applied similar discipline to the Advanced Data Transfer System (ADTS) pipeline. The portfolio faced overdue shipments and protracted contract lead times.
“As the item manager of ADTS, it is my job to ensure the pipeline of assets is healthy,” Klein said. “Without a healthy pipeline, we could not support the Fleet’s requirements.”
To get to the desired end-state, she instituted weekly engagements with the industry partner to drive schedule fidelity and remove blockers. She then tied those touchpoints to bi-weekly cross-team reviews at the wholesale level to lock in fixes. According to program records, the model contributed to a 27% reduction in backorders in FY25 and helped stabilize supply.
Klein identified the primary barrier as aging stand-alone purchase requests that exceeded 400 days. Contracting teams coordinated signatures and cleared the award queue. Once awards executed, the vendor began repairs and moved onto a sustainable schedule.
“Communication and weekly vendor calls led to the successful reduction in backorders,” Klein said.
The weekly engagement cadence documents risks, tracks mitigations, and enforces accountability across stakeholders.
Her contributions and effectiveness resulted in her being recognized with the Navy Civilian Service Commendation medal.
Leaders describe Klein’s impact in clear terms.
“Lauren is a team member others can emulate, and she understands the bigger picture of NAVSUP WSS and the U.S. Navy at large,” said Richard Flanagan, NAVSUP WSS Branch 2 Deputy, Common Systems IWST. “Her work on the COMSEC Reform Initiative and the CERM Portal streamlined efficiency and improved turnaround time on fleet requisitions; she is informed, savvy, dependable, and a key contributor.”
“Since ADTS has become healthy, we have focused on building wholesale at CMIO to avoid slipping back into backorder status,” Klein said.
Klein’s day-to-day work reflects NAVSUP WSS’s focus on training and readiness. CERM training reduces friction in approval chains and accelerates decision speed. Coordinated forecasts preserve repair velocity for critical systems at scale. A disciplined battle rhythm keeps teams focused on operational availability and the warfighter’s timeline.
Taken together, these actions advance one outcome: getting the right material to warfighters on time.
“The mission of NAVSUP is to support the Warfighter,” Klein said. “Everything we did was to support the Warfighter as best as possible.”
| Date Taken: | 11.06.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 11.13.2025 12:45 |
| Story ID: | 550759 |
| Location: | PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA, US |
| Web Views: | 30 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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