SURF-EX '05 prepares surface 'stakeholders' for strategic lift operations.

The Surface Exercise 2005 wargame hosted May 9 to 13 at the Nimitz MacArthur Pacific Command Center at Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii, focused on the processes and procedures needed to conduct strategic lift operations in support of a regional combatant commander.

Produced by Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, the exercise brought more than 100 military, civilian and industry leaders gathered together to find out just what it takes to deploy and sustain forces from origin through vessel upload.

The scenario, developed from a U.S. Pacific Command Operations Plan, asked surface transportation and distribution "stakeholders" to review a variety of scenario incidents and specifically identify process deficits that could prevent successful OPLAN execution.

"There are many steps required to put the plan into action," said Brig. Gen. Maynard J. Sanders, SDDC deputy commanding general for mobilization at SDDC's Operations Center based at Fort Eustis, Va. "SURF-EX '05 allows us to identify shortfalls and correct them early-on to better support the warfighter. By tapping into the expertise and experience of our participants, we want to see if the plan cuts the mustard."

The five-day exercise brought a vast array of people into game play. The familiarization and recommendation process for the plan pulled resources from all five branches of service, government agencies and commercial partnerships, including port authority managers from four strategic ports.

"This is the first time the carrier industry was brought onboard early in the planning process," said Mr. Clark Hall of Landstar. "We're grateful that SDDC is acknowledging our input to develop a broader perspective and ultimately improve surface lift efficiency on a larger scale."

Sanders added, "Through the efforts of the government and commercial partnership, SDDC is able to move 95 percent of Department of Defense cargo for the warfighter--and, get them there on time. From this understanding and successful history, SURF-EX '05 will be able to provide a beneficial outcome for all."

Wargame contributors developed a 360-degree evaluation of continental United States movement based on three phases to ultimately answer who could do what, when and where. The focus of the first phase centered on origin to seaport of embarkation, followed by phase two which included the port management and vessel operations elements, and concluded with phase three--sustainment.

Additionally, members divided into groups to review the processes from a notional, transformational, and "as-is" point of view.

"The alternative perspectives and solutions formulated by the groups are used to challenge and educate decision makers on key processes required for mobilization," said Jim Hudgens, SDDC Operations Center Plans and Programs office.

The results were presented in a senior leader debrief at the close of the exercise. The panel was headed by Maj. Gen. Charles W. Fletcher, Jr., commander of SDDC; Mrs. Patricia Young, deputy to the commander of SDDC; and Lt. Gen. (ret.) Roger Thompson Jr., vice president of membership and meeting for the Association of the United States Army. Also participating on the panel were Maj. Gen. Albert Richards U.S. Pacific Command; Col. Martin Bannon of the U.S. Transportation Command; Col. Richard Brooks of the Defense Logistics Agency Mr. James Caponiti, Associate Administrator for National Security of the Maritime Administration; and, Mr. Stanley Sokoloski of Installation Management Agency.

Fletcher said, "The week gathered the right group of strategic partners to look at elements of execution beyond the physical infrastructure."

In a note to the participants, Fletcher added the command would assign follow-on responsibility to any shortfalls found by the participants. "SDDC will continue forging the path to find solutions for the distribution and logistical challenges that will affect the deployment and distribution to Soldiers and sustainment for years to come."

Robyn Mack, Public Affairs Specialist

599th Transportation Group