Lawmakers Might Have to Pass CR, What to Expect Running FEMA Loads, and more
MSC’s Change of Command
Rear Adm. Michael Wettlaufer recently relieved Rear Adm. Dee Mewbourne as commander, Military Sealift Command, during a change of command ceremony aboard the expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Burlington (T-EPF 10) at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story.
Mewbourne assumed command of MSC Aug. 25, 2016, overseeing the on-time logistics, strategic sealift and specialized missions that MSC conducts around the world, 24/7, 365 days a year.
During his tenure, Mewbourne, and his staff devoted significant effort in developing and executing a plan to adapt to the changing operational environment and keep MSC ahead of competitors and potential adversaries. He focused on operationalizing MSC to align with changes to Fleet and Joint warfighting doctrine, and implemented programs and processes to assess the holistic readiness of our ships. Additionally, he identified capability and capacity gaps using wargaming and simulation and based on those results, provided our Mariners with realistic, relevant and challenging tactical training.
NDTA thanks Admiral Mewbourne for his service to our nation and his work with NDTA, and sends a hearty ‘welcome aboard’ to Admiral Wettlaufer. Read more on MSC’s Change of Command. Or you can watch video of the ceremony (including a shout out to NDTA at 45:40) on MSC’s Facebook page.
GOVERNMENT & MILITARY NEWS
Lawmakers Concede They Might Have to Pass a Dreaded ‘CR’
(The Hill) Lawmakers are conceding that Congress might have to pass a stopgap measure or continuing resolution (CR) to keep the government open this fall. READ MORE
After ‘Significant’ Malware Attack, US Coast Guard Issues Maritime Security Advisory
(CyberScoop) The US Coast Guard has issued a safety alert encouraging mariners to follow basic cybersecurity protocols after a ship bound for the East Coast experienced a “significant cyber incident” in February. READ MORE
Iranian Boats Attempted to Seize a British Tanker in the Strait of Hormuz
(CNN) Armed Iranian boats unsuccessfully tried to seize a British oil tanker in the Persian Gulf Wednesday, according to two US officials with direct knowledge of the incident. READ MORE
Section 809 Chairman Shares Quick Fixes for Defense Acquisition, No Congress Needed
(Federal News Network) Three reports and nearly 100 recommendations later, the Section 809 panel is set to wrap up July 14. While many of the panel’s suggestions will take time and resources to enact, the chairman says there are several that could be implemented “with a stroke of a pen.” READ MORE
The US Threatened France with China-Style Tariffs Over Its Digital Tax Plans. The French Didn’t Blink
(Fortune) The US is so upset about France’s proposed tax on digital giants that it’s threatened to use the same tariff law against the European country that it’s deployed against China. But on Thursday French lawmakers approved the measure anyway. READ MORE
INDUSTRY NEWS
What a Fleet or Driver Should Expect Running FEMA Loads (with video)
(FreightWaves) As Tropical Storm Barry—which is expected to make landfall as a hurricane—bears down on the Louisiana coast, relief efforts are already being planned for. FreightWaves has republished a 2017 article to help answer some common questions on what fleets and drivers can expect as they assist FEMA with recovery. READ MORE
The Best Defense Against Clear Air Turbulence Injuries Like Those Aboard Air Canada Flight Is Still Analog
(Forbes) The clear air turbulence injuries suffered recently by dozens of passengers onboard an Air Canada flight to Australia, is a reminder that this category of turbulence continues to pose a threat to aviation safety. Studies suggest that climate change will make these incidents more common and potentially more dangerous. READ MORE
Are We Heading Toward 24/7 Logistics Services or Are We Already There?
(Supply Chain Dive) As 3PLs extend service hours and days, constant deliveries seem inevitable. But experts say retailers and even consumers are keeping a solid floor under e-commerce delivery times. READ MORE
The Age of Global Supply Chains Is in Trouble
(Bloomberg) Trade relations are fraying and so are the worldwide networks that made so many goods cheaper to produce. READ MORE
Testing the Potential of Additive Manufacturing
(Hellenic Shipping News) Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, has the potential to transform the maritime equipment supply chain. With the adoption of technology enabling printing in metal, vital spare parts and system components can now be printed on demand in locations around the world, including on vessels themselves. READ MORE
MEMBER HIGHLIGHTS
MSC Awards Time Charter Contract to American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier
(American Roll-on Roll-off Carrier) The US Navy’s Military Sealift Command (MSC) has awarded a 38-day time charter contract to American Roll-on Roll-off Carrier (ARC), for the charter of the M/V Resolve. Approximately 65,000 square feet of military cargo was recently loaded on to the M/V Resolve by the 841st Transportation Battalion in Charleston, South Carolina for onward delivery to Ash Shuaiba, Kuwait. READ MORE
In the Public Sector, Even Minor Spend Management Mistakes Can Have Major Consequences
(SAP Concur) Public sector institutions bear a unique responsibility around travel, expense, and invoice management. For those in state and local government, as well as in higher education, there’s no wiggle room when it comes to accountability. READ MORE
DHL Supply Chain Research Shows at Least 60% of Companies Have Yet to Fully Implement Their E-Commerce Strategy Despite Recognizing Its Importance
(DHL) DHL Supply Chain has launched its latest research report on the evolution of e-commerce supply chains. The study shows that, despite understanding the vital importance of e-commerce on customer retention and satisfaction, several barriers to implementation exist. READ MORE
How Hapag-Lloyd Became a Pioneer in the Transport of Dangerous Goods
(Hapag-Lloyd) The explosion of the North German Lloyd vessel “MS Moselstein” in the Port of Antwerp in December 1966 was one of the biggest accidents involving a ship in the post-war period. This and other incidents heightened awareness of the importance of correctly and transparently declaring hazardous goods – and thereby laid the foundation for the creation of the Dangerous Goods department at what was then still Hapag. Since then, Hapag-Lloyd has become a pioneer in the transport of dangerous goods. READ MORE
Amtrak Releases FY 2018 Sustainability Report
(Amtrak) Amtrak released its FY2018 Sustainability Report, in a newly designed and interactive online experience, highlighting company performance against year-over-year sustainability goals. In FY18 year, the company achieved all energy, fuel, recycling and emissions targets with the support of more than 20,000 employees. READ MORE
NDTA NEWS & EVENTS
NDTA 75th Anniversary
We are excited to celebrate NDTA’s 75th Anniversary which will culminate with our Fall Meeting in St. Louis, 7-10 October 2019. The NDTA staff and key volunteers are working to put together a significant amount of celebratory opportunities. We’ve commissioned a piece of art which “tells the story” of NDTA’s history. It will be available at all major events. The first soft “unveiling” was held at the GovTravels Symposium and the Fall Meeting will host our official unveiling. We have also committed to publishing a 75th Anniversary Yearbook which will republish much of the editions from the 50th and 65th yearbooks—and years 66 through 75. The yearbook will be a limited publication to be primarily handed out to Fall Meeting registrants. We have thought extensively regarding the appropriate way to go about fundraising for the celebration—and have decided to ask for modest contributions. To find more information on these fundraising efforts and to make a donation, please visit: www.ndtahq.com/ndta-75th-anniversary-funds-campaign/. As we look back, we are also looking ahead to the future—continuing to educate and add value through dialog and relationship building. Thank you for all of your support!
Find NDTA chapter events on the NDTA CALENDAR.
The NDTAGram is produced weekly by NDTA, a non-profit, non-political educational association, for informational purposes only. We want to hear from you! For questions or comments please email sharon@ndtahq.com. To change your subscription, email leah@ndtahq.com.