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    Sustainers host Defense Logistics Agency Director

    JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – Vice Adm. Alan S. Thompson, director of the Defense Logistics Agency based out of Fort Belvoir, Va., visited Joint Base Balad as part of a larger theater-wide visit, Feb. 15.

    The purpose of Thompson's visit was to interact with his primary customers, the 3d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) and the 402nd Army Field Support Brigade.

    Thompson was welcomed by Brig. Gen. Michael J. Lally, Commander 3d ESC and received a number of briefings at multiple stops on JBB including the Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service, 259th Corps Distribution Center/ Forward Distribution Point, Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle yard and the Retrograde Property Assistance Team yard.

    Lally provided a tour ofthe joint operation center, detailing how transportation is tracked throughout theater. He said he is proud of the communication system that track Soldiers on convoys.

    "It [communication] is about everyone looking at the same set of facts." Lally said.

    During one briefing, Lally explained the 3d ESCis partnering with Iraqis to develop effective logisticscapabilities. He said part of their mission is to fostera climate of interdependency with Iraqis.

    "We're telling them you have to develop your business to be successful when we [coalition forces] have leftIraq," Lally said.

    Lally said the Iraqi trucking networkis a great example of Iraqis developing their economy. He said the ITN has earned over $25 million for the Iraqi tribal consortium and drivers.

    The ITN has also accomplished 8,000 missions without loss to cargo and no military escort. This has saved 1300 convoy escort teams from being out on the road.

    "If Iraq is going to be successful they need to have a good economy," Lally said. "If you're going to have a good economy, you need trucks to move things around."

    Thompson said he is impressed withthe organization of the 3d ESC and 402nd AFSB.

    "I very much appreciate seeing whateveryone is doing out here," Thompson said. "It lets us know what we can do tohelp you."

    The Defense Logistics Agency providessupply support, technical and logistics services to military services andcivilian agencies. DLA is the one source for nearly every consumable item,whether for combat readiness, emergencypreparedness or day-to-day operations.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 03.01.2009
    Date Posted: 03.01.2009 11:45
    Story ID: 30599
    Location: BALAD, IQ

    Web Views: 319
    Downloads: 313

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