The Official Newsletter of The National Defense Transportation Association
February 19, 2025
GovTravels Symposium Welcomes Jennifer Donnelly, Senior Consultant with GoldSpring Consulting
Register Today! The National Defense Transportation Association (NDTA) and the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO), in association with the General Services Administration (GSA), will host the 2025 GovTravels Symposium, February 24-27, 2025. Get ready for an enhanced selection of Travel Academy classes complementing the 2025 theme, “Change Management: Challenges & Solutions in Government Travel.” Travel Academy sessions are a series of interactive, one-hour educational classes led by government and industry passenger travel leaders offering attendees the chance to explore the theme in greater depth. As a GovTravels full event participant you will earn 3.2 CEUs. Register today and purchase CEU credits at checkout. […READ MORE…]
Surface Force Projection Conference
The National Defense Transportation Association (NDTA) and Christopher Newport University’s Center for American Studies (CAS) jointly present the NDTA-CAS Surface Force Projection Conference (SFPC): “Challenging the Joint Force Deployment Status Quo – Improving the Large-Scale Deployment Model,” June 10-12, 2025.
The SFPC brings together government and industry logistics and transportation experts, members of the Joint Logistic Enterprise, to examine a wide range of challenges associated with deploying forces and moving sustainment to the point of need. During this time, we will build relationships and trust, examine deployment challenges, look for solutions, educate and collaborate and find ways to improve readiness and transportation capability. […READ MORE…]
2025 NDTA Foundation Scholarships
NDTA is excited about the education and professional development of our nation’s future logistics and transportation leaders and is offering four scholarship opportunities for members and their children.
- Program A – for currently enrolled college students
- Program B – for soon-to-be high school graduates accepted at an accredited institution
- Program C – for currently enrolled, distance learning college students
- Program D – The Denny Edwards Graduate Scholarship for graduate (master’s degree) students
All scholarship winners will receive a unique opportunity to join our Industry Connect Program (ICP), which links interested students with an industry mentor to help them bridge to the future. More information can be found here.
To learn about the scholarship qualification details and how to apply, go to https://www.ndtahq.com/foundation/, call us at (703) 751-5011 or send us an email at ndtahq@ndtahq.com. Read student testimonials from previous scholarship recipients to learn about the impact it has had on their studies. […READ MORE…]
Your Source
US Container Imports Continue Surge Amid Renewed Tariff Concerns, Supply Chain Pressures
US container ports are experiencing sustained high import volumes as retailers accelerate cargo shipments in response to new tariff threats and potential supply chain disruptions. The latest Global Port Tracker report, released jointly by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates, highlights significant growth in container handling despite ongoing trade tensions.
In a significant trade policy development, the Trump Administration recently announced a 25% tariff on most Canadian and Mexican goods, along with a 10% tariff on Chinese imports. While the North American tariffs received a 30-day suspension, the China tariffs have already taken effect. […READ MORE…]
Your Source
Maersk: New US Tariffs and Red Sea Crisis Shaping Global Maritime Trade in Early 2025
Major geopolitical events and policy changes are significantly impacting global maritime trade in early 2025, with new US tariffs and ongoing Red Sea security concerns creating ripple effects across shipping routes, according to Maersk’s North America market update for January.
The Trump Administration announced sweeping tariffs on February 1, 2025, targeting imports from China, Canada, and Mexico under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. While the 10% tariff on Chinese goods took immediate effect on February 4, tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports face a one-month delay. […READ MORE…]
Hegseth Hits Pause on Air Force Restructuring
The Air Force has put a hold on its Re-Optimization for Great Power Competition efforts, at the direction of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Air & Space Forces Magazine reported. That includes pausing work on Integrated Capabilities Command, designed to help develop the service’s future systems. The planning pause remains in effect until a Senate-confirmed secretary and undersecretary of the Air Force are in place and can review the initiatives. […READ MORE…]
WASHINGTON – The US Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) announced the issuance of the Texas Gulflink LLC (TGL) Record of Decision (ROD) to Sentinel Midstream, LLC, which will own, construct, and operate a deepwater port for the export of domestically produced crude oil. This action supports President Donald Trump’s Unleashing American Energy Executive Order that was signed on January 20, 2025.
The proposed deepwater port project will be located approximately 26.6 nautical miles off the coast of Brazoria County, Texas, and will establish a shoreside support facility at an operational commercial site within Freeport Harbor. The project will also utilize dock space at the Port Freeport Public Docks located in Freeport, TX. […READ MORE…]
UNF Transportation & Logistics Society Meeting
Sponsored by the NDTA-JAX Chapter
Date: Thursday, February 20, 2025
Time: 7 PM
Location: UNF Coggin College of Business, Room 1111
1 UNF Dr., Jacksonville, FL 32224
Please join us to hear the following speakers cover topics related to commercial industry involvement in government logistics and the US Navy’s role in safeguarding US commerce:
- Captain Chuck Nygaard, US Navy (Ret.)
- James Dubberty, CEO, Compass Global Business Services, LLC
- John Schuler, Director, Compass Global Business Service, LLC
Agenda: Doors open for networking at 7 PM, followed by an NDTA-JAX overview and speaker presentations.
We look forward to seeing you!
NDTA US Virtual Chapter Meeting
Topic: Disaster Response and Preparedness
with Greg J. Ramoni, Team Rubicon Operations Manager
Date: Thursday, March 13, 2025
Time: 2 PM to 3 PM EST
Location: MS Teams Webinar (link below)
Click here to join the webinar
Greg J. Ramoni has a wealth of experience in disaster response and preparedness and will share his insights on engaging and supporting disaster efforts. Greg’s background includes overseeing Team Rubicon’s operations for seven states, from the Tennessee River Valley to the US northern border, and from the Mississippi River east to the Appalachian Mountains. He also serves as Team Rubicon’s Exercise Director and EOC Manager, supporting preparedness exercises and EOC activations for large-scale disasters.
We encourage all NDTA members and interested parties to attend this informative session to learn from a leader in the field of disaster response and preparedness.
We look forward to seeing you!
The Source is pleased to announce that Sekhar Prabhakar is the new Board Chair/President of the NDTA Scott-St. Louis Chapter. Sekhar has been a chapter member for several years and will serve with dedicated team members in the following roles:
Vice President: Gregory Schwartz, Solerity
Secretary: Ashley Wittenstrom, Booz Allen Hamilton
Academic Chair: Vineet Sharma, Saint Louis University
Event Chair: Alex White, CEdge Inc.
Certified Agile Practitioner: April Roseman, PhD, PMP, SAIC (Past President-Emeritus)
Other key roles that need to be filled are Industry Chair, Webmaster (Interim Taylor Porter, CEdge Inc.), and Young Leader Chair.
Editor’s Picks
Fort Liberty Is Renamed Fort Bragg, Effective Immediately
(Army.mil) FORT BRAGG, N.C. – Fort Liberty is renamed Fort Bragg, effective immediately. This renaming honors the legacy of World War II hero, Pvt. First Class Roland L. Bragg and all Soldiers and families who have called Fort Bragg home.
The renaming process will include updating all official documentation, signage, and digital platforms in a deliberate and phased manner.
NTSB: Parted Anchor Chain and Improper Charting Led to Vessel Loss
An inadequate anchoring operation and failure to use available charts to identify depths and a charted rock led to the loss of a cargo vessel operating in the US Virgin Islands, reports the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The bureau issued a report highlighting a series of errors during a storm that contributed to the total constructive loss of a small cargo vessel valued at $1.5 million and a heroic action by the US Coast Guard to rescue 12 people from the stranded ship.
Counter-Drone Stryker Armored Vehicle Armed with Lasers, Rockets, Guns Unveiled
(The War Zone) A new counter-drone focused variant of the 8×8 Stryker light armored vehicle armed with a laser directed energy weapon, laser-guided 70mm rockets, a 30mm automatic cannon, radars and other sensors has broken cover. Defense contractor Leonardo DRS and its industry partners are actively pitching the vehicle to the US Army, which is looking to significantly grow its short-range air defense capabilities in the coming years. That service is also very interested in new laser-armed options, specifically, after lackluster field tests of a different Stryker-based system earlier this year.
US Amphibious Ships Facing New Issues, Half of 32 Ships in Good Condition
A new GAO report shows only half of the US Navy’s 32 amphibious ships are in satisfactory condition, with the rest classified as being in poor material condition. This poses a significant challenge for the Marine Corps, which relies on these vessels for rapid response missions. Many amphibious ships, including assault ships and dock landing ships, suffered from deferred maintenance and repair cancellations, leading to major breakdowns and reduced fleet readiness.
US Navy ‘Hardens’ Aircraft Carrier Defense Against Chinese Anti-Ship Missiles
(19fortyfive.com) China’s growing arsenal of anti-ship missiles, including the DF-26 and DF-21, poses a significant threat to US aircraft carriers operating in the Pacific. To counter this, the US Navy is deploying a layered defense system that includes Rolling Airframe Missiles, SM-series interceptors, and Phalanx close-in weapon systems. Additionally, stealth refueling drones like the MQ-25 Stingray will extend the range of F-35C and Super Hornet fighters, keeping carriers out of missile range.
Navy Jet Crashes off San Diego Coast; 2 Crew Members Rescued
(Navy Times) Two crew members ejected from a US Navy jet before it crashed Wednesday off the San Diego coast and were quickly rescued by a sportfishing boat, authorities said. On a live webcam of San Diego harbor traffic, someone aboard the Premiere can be heard telling the Coast Guard that the crew members ejected right after takeoff.
Tankers Flood Airspace Off the California Coast for China-Focused Air Combat Exercise
(The War Zone) The latest Bamboo Eagle exercise reflects plans for ever-larger air combat exercises as part of preparations for a high-end fight with China.
At least 20 US Air Force tanker aircraft, 10 KC-46s and an equal number of KC-135s, supported the first day of the latest Bamboo Eagle exercise off the California Coast, according to online flight tracking data. The first Bamboo Eagle occurred last year. The large force exercise series has quickly become one of the most important for the US military, as well as key allies, and has a clear eye on preparing for a future coalition fight in the Pacific with China.
Please join NDTA with a big shout-out and a round of applause for its newest Sustaining Member: DeSpir Logistics Network
ATA Chairman Urges Congress to Prioritize Infrastructure Investments
As Congress begins the process of reauthorizing the nation’s surface transportation programs, American Trucking Associations Chairman Dennis Dellinger testified on Capitol Hill to make the case for substantially increasing investments in our transportation network. Dellinger delivered remarks before the House Transportation & Infrastructure Subcommittee on Highway & Transit about the importance of reducing costly congestion, enhancing supply chain efficiency, and improving roadway safety.
J.B. Hunt Celebrates 35 Years of Intermodal Service
J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc., one of the largest supply chain solutions providers in North America, recently achieved a major company milestone as its intermodal service surpassed 35 years of operations.
In February 1990, the first J.B. Hunt intermodal load departed Chicago via the industry’s first collaboration between trucking and railroad companies, bringing to life the vision of company founder Johnnie Bryan Hunt and Santa Fe Railway President (now BNSF Railway) Mike Haverty. The two named the service Quantum, a testament to its innovative approach and potential significance.
Landstar Ranks No. 9 on AJOT’s List of Top 50 Trucking Companies
Landstar System, Inc. placed within the top 10 of the American Journal of Transportation’s (AJOT) ranking of the Top 50 North American Trucking Companies. The ranking was published on Jan. 27, 2025. As with AJOT’s Top 100 North American Trucking Companies list, the publication uses various factors in determining the rank of eligible companies, including revenue, capacity and range of services provided. Landstar placed No.9 on this year’s list.
The Source is a free educational publication for NDTA members, conference attendees, and associates.