The Official Newsletter of The National Defense Transportation Association
January 5, 2021
NDTA Members and Associates in Action:
- DLA Ships Out Moderna Vaccine for Troops Overseas and the Navy Fleet with Support from FedEx (video)
- U.S. Vaccine Campaign Launches with First Shipments by FedEx, UPS & Boyle Transportation ‘Delivering Hope’ to Millions
- DHL’s Control Tower Solution Combines Technology and Logistics Expertise to Increase Control and Minimize Risk in Vaccine Supply Chain
- Perna: Whole-of-America Operation Warp Speed Effort ‘Remarkable Feat’
COVID-19 Lessons Learned for Passenger Travel Panel at the 2021 GovTravels Symposium
At the 2021 NDTA-DTMO GovTravels Symposium, join the Defense Travel Management Office as it hosts a panel discussion on the impacts of COVID-19 on government travel with Mr. William Mansell, Director, Defense Travel Management Office; Mr. Tim Burke, Director, Office of Travel, Employee Relocation and Transportation, Federal Acquisition Service, GSA; Mr. Rick Marsh, Director, Defense Personal Property Program at U.S. Transportation Command; and Mr. Jeffrey Angers, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Military Personnel) at Office of the ASA (M&RA). Panelists will provide a focused look at how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted government passenger travel programs and discuss how it is expected to shape the future of government passenger travel in the years to come. This panel is the perfect complement to the preceding keynote address by Mr. Robert Salesses, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense Integration and Defense Support of Civil Authorities, U.S. Department of Defense, which will provide insights into DoD’s role in combating the global pandemic while meeting mission requirements in a COVID-19 environment.
**Early Bird prices for industry are only available until January 21, so register now!
We look forward to your participation in February 2021. To register, view the agenda, travel academy schedule, and for additional information, visit: www.ndtahq.com/events/gov-travels/
Chapter Spotlight
NDTA North Pole Chapter Supports Wreaths Across America
The Wreaths Across America story began over 20+ years ago when Worcester Wreath Company began a tradition of placing wreaths on the headstones of our Nation’s fallen heroes at Arlington National Ceremony during the holidays. On December 16, the NDTA North Pole Chapter combined with the Eagle River VFW placed 80 wreaths on headstones at the Ft Richardson National Cemetery in Anchorage, Alaska. Many Alaskan organizations placed over 3,000 wreaths along with our North Pole chapter of the NDTA, making the trek in below-freezing temperatures and walking in deep snow to honor all who served. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, only five personnel were allowed to participate at a time by appointment.
Your Source
Goodbye (and good riddance) to 2020! As we start the new year, let’s take a look at some predictions and trends for 2021:
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
The Biden Administration will face plenty of challenges when they take office. The Hill predicts the top five Defense challenges will be North Korea, troop deployments abroad, China, nuclear weapons, and recovering after 2020.
USTRANSCOM has cleared out the backlog of PCS moves that occurred when movements came to a halt in March. DOD leaders have been working since June to prepare and make improvements for the 2021 moving season. They expect 2021 shipment volumes to be consistent with past years.
Project Convergence—a three-pronged blending of artificial intelligence, robotics, and autonomy—saw its first major iteration conclude in August and September 2020. An ambitious project, this could serve as the fulcrum for how the Army and other services leverage the technology of today and the near future to fight wars is expected to grow significantly in 2021. […READ MORE…]
Seafarers, Longshore Labor, Ocean Carriers and MARAD All Honored at Virtual 2020 Admiral of the Ocean Sea Award
USS Salutes “Essential” Workforce At 51st Annual Event
The efforts of the entire American maritime community service to the nation, especially in light of the global pandemic and its impact on world trade, was highlighted at the United Seamen’s Service (USS) 51st annual Admiral of the Ocean Sea (AOTOS) Award, a virtual presentation held December 9. The event paid special recognition of the four pillars of the American shipping community—the Maritime Administration (MARAD); merchant mariners; US-flag shipping companies and longshoremen.
Master of ceremonies LTG Kenneth Wykle said, “To keep the international supply chain and our economy operating, the hard-working maritime community labored every day to move millions of tons of cargo in and out of America’s ports.” He added, “They delivered the essential goods necessary for international commerce, the economy, and supported our national defense.” […READ MORE…]
Editor’s Picks
In a First, Congress Overrides Trump Veto of Defense Bill
(The Associated Press) Congress on Friday overrode President Donald Trump’s veto of a defense policy bill, a first by lawmakers since he took office nearly four years ago, ensuring that the measure becomes law.
In Europe, US Air Force Brings Back Cold War Mobility Concept
(Defense One) For the 100th Air Refueling Wing, pivoting away from counter-terrorism to great power competition means reverting to Cold War concepts such as highly mobile command centers.
A Grand Strategy Based on Resilience
(War on the Rocks) It is nearly inevitable that disruptive events will continue to take place in the future. Given this reality, the notion that resilience should be a cornerstone of American grand strategy has gained increasing attention.
(TOTE Services, LLC) TOTE Services and Philly Shipyard, Inc. have begun a new era in maritime education with the cutting of steel for the new National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV) at Philly Shipyard. This is the initial major construction milestone for the first purpose-built, state-of-the-art training vessel for America’s state maritime academies.
Atlas Air Partners with Fuel Supplier on Sustainable Aviation Fuel Test Flight from Spain’s Zaragoza Airport
(Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc.) Atlas has announced the completion of a transoceanic sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) test flight that originated at Spain’s Zaragoza Airport. Atlas Air Flight 562 was powered by a blend of fuel containing 2.33% SAF sourced from fresh vegetable oil.
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Completes Rollout of Mobile Check-in and Checkout to Nearly 6,000 Hotels in North America
(Wyndham Hotels & Resorts) Wyndham has announced it has completed the rollout of mobile check-in and checkout to nearly 6,000 economy and midscale hotels in North America. The major milestone makes Wyndham the first major hotel company to offer mobile check-in and checkout at scale across the economy and midscale segments.
Matson Takes Delivery of ‘Matsonia’
(Matson, Inc.) Matson has taken delivery of Matsonia, the second of two new Kanaloa Class combination container/roll-on, roll-off (“con-ro”) ships built for Matson by General Dynamics NASSCO. The two are the largest vessels of their kind ever built in the US.
CWTSatoTravel News
(CWTSatoTravel) CWTSatoTravel has released the winter edition of its quarterly Compass newsletter.
The Source is a free educational publication for NDTA members, conference attendees, and associates.