Defense Distribution Depot Sigonella, Italy, celebrates one-year anniversary

SIGONELLA, Italy – Defense Distribution Center’s 23rd distribution facility, Defense Distribution Depot Sigonella, Italy, celebrated its one-year anniversary April 1 with a ceremony and recognition of employee contributions.

During the past year, DDSI’s workload exceeded expectations by almost 30 percent. This included logistical support in a fast-paced Sixth Fleet operational environment in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. DDSI also provided support to four Carrier Strike Groups operating simultaneously in theater in support of both Navy’s Fleet Response Plan and the Summer Olympics.

“I could not be more pleased with the many outstanding achievements of our DDSI team over the past year,” said Navy Cmdr. John Camuso, commander of DDSI. “Working together, our joint DDSI team consisting of U.S. civil servants, U.S. Navy sailors, and Italian foreign nationals, has implemented a myriad of new processes and process improvements to ensure mission success and customer service excellence.”

In 2004, DDSI established, streamlined and continually improved distribution processes in support of forward-deployed detachments.

“The results of DDSI’s hard work -- increased material velocity, increased in-transit visibility, and enhanced time definite delivery -- have significantly improved distribution processes in Southern Europe.” said Camuso.

DDSI has laid a solid foundation for future distribution process improvements by teaming with the European Command; Naval Air Station, Sigonella; Fleet Industrial Supply Center, Sigonella; U.S. Transportation Command and the DDC, to successfully implement a Southern European Regional Distribution Center. DDC/DDSI is further poised to meet future customer requirements in theater by making more effective use of available storage capacity through enhancements to existing storage facilities and equipment and ongoing construction projects.

With just over 125,000 line items expected to be processed this year, DDSI is positioning itself for the future.

“DDSI has laid a solid foundation for continued success in the coming year as we continue to meet war fighter requirements, including those of our forward-deployed Navy fleet,” said Camuso.

DDSI is one of 26 DDC distribution facilities located throughout the world providing forward stock positioning support and enhanced physical distribution services to U.S. armed forces located in the Mediterranean region. Primary customers include the Aviation Support Division, Aviation Intermediate Maintenance Division, and Navy ships and squadrons operating in the Mediterranean region.

Defense Distribution Center, New Cumberland, Pa., is the Defense Logistics Agency’s Lead Center for Distribution. DLA provides supply support and technical and logistics services to the military services and to several civilian agencies. Headquartered at Fort Belvoir, Va., DLA is the one source for nearly every consumable item, whether for combat readiness, emergency preparedness or day-to-day operations.