Logistics - Food, Equipment and Supplies

LOGISTICS  DEPARTMENT

 

Credit:  CPO2 Patterson Logistics Department onboard HMCS HALIFAX

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before a ship can sail, the Logistics Department must perform vital tasks to ensure that not only is the ship ready for sea, but that she can sustain herself for long periods away from home port. The head of the Logistics Department is a Naval Lieutenant who is trained specifically as a Sea Logistics Officer. The department also has a Chief, usually a Chief Petty Officer Second Class (CPO2) Supply Technician, who handles personnel administration for the department. The four sections that comprise the Logistics Department are:

 

      1.  Supply Section

      2.  Food Services

      3.  Steward Services

      4.  Administrative/Financial Services.

 

Credit:  CPO2 Patterson

SUPPLY SECTION

Onboard HMCS HALIFAX there are several warehouses in which are stored anything from the smallest gasket, CH124 Sea King helicopter spares to entire engine gearboxes. Literally thousands of assorted line items are carried onboard in order to ensure that the ship has all the spare parts she may need at sea and is fully self sufficient for sustained periods of time. The management of these warehouses falls to the Supply Technicians who are highly trained in inventory management techniques, linked to all Supply Warehouse districts across Canada as well as packaging, shipping, and WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Material Information System), which is mandatory and in effect by law in Canada. Supply Technicians also do all the local purchasing and preparing orders from stationary to material for all departments within the ship. In addition to all these responsibilities, the Supply Section also manages the ordering, stowage, and issue to the galley of all the provisions coming onboard. While deployed they are responsible for coordinating the shipment of emergency requirements from Canada to the various ports visited while deployed anywhere in the world.

 

Credit:  CPO2 Patterson

FOOD SERVICES

 

So you want a challenge? Well the cooks of HMCS Halifax do that everyday. You think feeding a family of four or five is a hand full, well try doing it for up to 240 people. So you say not that bad, add on the fact that you are not on a stable platform. You have rolling seas, high winds, and unpredictable turning of the ship, all which adds to the challenge. We the cooks are a special breed, as we do it everyday at sea and in port. Doesn’t matter what the condition, we still put out delectable meals to wet every type of imagination. May not be your local five star restaurant but we do try. We also cater to every individual need, whether it be food allergies, special occasions, ie. Birthdays, special gatherings, you name it we take up the challenge. All we the cooks can say is; BON APETIT.

 

 

Credit:  CPO2 Patterson

STEWARD SERVICES

Stewards are vital in performing numerous functions onboard HMCS HALIFAX. They comprise part of the food services team as they do short order cooking in the Wardroom and prepare salads, meat trays, cheese trays, etc. They are also in charge of the ship's laundry where 225 sailors can generate a lot of dirty clothes and bedding which are sent to the ship's laundry for expert cleaning in industrial washers. In order to earn money for the benefit of the ship's company, all ships operate a canteen where sailors can buy refreshments, snacks, clothing, and assorted gift items such as ball-caps, engraved lighters, collectible items, etc. The Stewards run this non-public operation, doing everything from ordering items, to bookkeeping, to warehouse management.  Often, a ship will be tasked to provide official entertainment, perhaps a cocktail party or special VIP dinner. When these events occur, the Stewards, who have specific training in hospitality services, run them. The Senior Steward is in charge of all functions and maintains the Non Public Funds books.

 

Credit:  CPO2 Patterson

 

ADMINISTRATIVE/FINANCIAL SERVICES

  Onboard HMCS Halifax we have 5 RMS Clerks. The main mission is to provide administrative and financial services to over 200 military personnel. The Ships Office is where the Chief Clerk and 2 Junior clerks maintain personnel files, process leave and handle all correspondence in and out of the Ship. The Pay Office has a Senior and Junior Pay Writer responsible for creating and finalizing claims, booking flights and maintaining pay records. This is just some of the many services that our clerks provide. Have a question regarding regulations and directives, stop by, they are more then willing to help you find the answer.

 

Credit:  CPO2 Patterson

Supply Officer

 

As the Supply Officer on HMCS Halifax it is my role to provide the required Logistical support that a modern warship will require. To provide the Commanding Officer the logistical advice he needs so that he can keep the “Ever Brave” HALIFAX at sea. This includes everything from Spare Parts, Rations, Financial and Administrative Services, and Food services and of course the Canteen. In order to accomplish this there are 31 talented individuals who form this unique and dedicated section and support me in delivering the required materials, meals and admin that the ship’s company rely on. This department, that I have the privilege to work with, provides the morale that brings life to HALIFAX.

Credit:  CPO2 Patterson

Assistant Supply Officer

 

The Assistant Supply Officer is directly below the Supply Officer in the Naval Chain of Command but this position is largely a training phase. The aim of the OJT phase is to consolidate the theoretical learning provided by in-class training, and to provide practical experience in all pertinent areas of shipboard employment, including: shipboard logistics activities, divisional officer leadership skills, naval operations, and duties and responsibilities of seagoing officers. After successfully challenging a board of experts at the end of this phase, candidates will be qualified to run an HMC Ship’s Logistic Department.