Defense Transportation Journal by Defense Transportation Journal

Perspectives on Defense Transportation: Rail

June 2010

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NDTA Salutes

The Railroad industry M-ATVs Begin to Move by Rail | Rail to the Rescue | Defense Freight Railway Interchange Fleet

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CONTENTS

June 2010

FEATURES Perspectives on Defense Transportation: Rail June 2010

•

Vol 66, No. 3

Publisher

Railroads to the Rescue, by Denny Edwards

Fast Facts - Rail

12 14

LTG Ken Wykle, USA (Ret.)

NDTA Salutes Rail Members:

Editor

Association of American Railroads | BNSF | CSX Kansas City Southern | Norfolk Southern | Union Pacific

Karen Schmitt | karen@ndtahq.com

Managing Editor

M-ATVs Begin to Move by Rail, by Jon Meyer

Contributing editor

Defense Freight Railway Interchange Fleet

Kent N. Gourdin

Denny Edwards

Circulation Manager

Leah Ashe

Publishing Office

NDTA 50 South Pickett Street, Suite 220 Alexandria, VA 22304-7296 703-751-5011 • F 703-823-8761 Graphic Design

Debbie Bretches

Hybrid Airships

Outside the Box Solutions for the Front Line By Karen Schmitt

SDDC Photo Album

Production Manager

Margaret Howard

Advertising Account Manager

Jim Lindsey

Advertising & Production Carden Jennings Publishing Co., Ltd. Custom Publishing Division 375 Greenbrier Drive, Suite 100 Charlottesville, VA 22901 434-817-2000, x261 • F 434-817-2020

Defense Transportation Journal (ISSN 0011-7625) is published bimonthly by the National Defense Transportation Association (NDTA), a non-profit research and educational organization; 50 South Pickett Street, Suite 220, Alexandria, VA 22304-7296, 703-751-5011. Copyright by NDTA. Periodicals postage paid at Alexandria, Virginia, and at additional mailing offices. Subscription Rates: One year (six issues) $35. Two years, $55. Three years, $70. To foreign post offices, $45. Single copies, $6 plus postage. The DTJ is free to members. For details on membership, visit www.ndtahq.com. Postmaster: Send address changes to: Defense Transportation Journal 50 South Pickett Street, Suite 220 Alexandria, VA 22304-7296

Cover Photo: Courtesy of Wisconsin & Southern Railroad Company

departments A-35 News | Lori Leffler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Editorial | Dr. Kent N. Gourdin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 President’s Corner | LTG Ken Wykle, USA (Ret.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 association News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 In memoriam | General Thomas Roy Mikolajcik USAF (Ret.). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 In memoriam | Edward Driscoll. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Government News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 honor roll. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 chairman’s circle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Bookshelf Ideas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 index of advertisers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

EDITORIAL REVIEW BOARD AND EDITORIAL OBJECTIVES Dr. James M. Daley Dean, Helzberg School of Management, Rockhurst University, Kansas City, MO Dr. Kent N. Gourdin Director, Global Logistics and Transportation Program, College of Charleston

Lori Leffler, CTC, A-35 Chair

Richard H. Hinchcliff Consultant

Advice & Opportunities for Young Professionals

Brig Gen Malcolm P. Hooker, USAF (Ret.) Member, Board of Directors, NDTA Dr. Joseph G. Mattingly, Jr. R.H. Smith School of Business, University of Maryland Prof. Gary S. Misch, US Naval War College (Ret.) Lt Col Anne T. Peck, USAF (Ret.) Dr. Richard F. Poist, Jr. Professor, Transportation and Logistics, Iowa State University

“Young Leaders Mentoring and Educational Session” SDDC Training Symposium. Atlanta, GA March 8-10, 2010 Moderator: Lori Leffler, NDTA A-35 Chairperson

MG Harold I. Small, USA (Ret.) Consultant COL Joseph A. Torsani, Jr., USA (Ret.) Dr. David Vellenga Director, Carl A. Gerstacker Liberal Arts Institute for Professional Management, Professor of Economics and Management, Albion College

Editorial Objectives The editorial objectives of the Defense Transportation Journal are to advance knowledge and science in defense transportation and the partnership between the commercial transportation industry and the government transporter. DTJ stimulates thought and effort in the areas of defense transportation, logistics, and distribution by providing readers with: • • • • •

News and information about defense transportation issues New theories or techniques Information on research programs Creative views and syntheses of new concepts Articles in subject areas that have significant current impact on thought and practice in defense transportation • Reports on NDTA Chapters Editorial Policy The Defense Transportation Journal is designed as a forum for current research, opinion, and identification of trends in defense transportation. The opinions expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily of the Editors, the Editorial Review Board, or NDTA. Editorial Content For a DTJ Publication Schedule, Media Kit and Archives, visit /www.ndtahq.com/education_dtj.htm Dr. Kent N. Gourdin, Editor, DTJ Director of the Global Logistics & Transportation Program, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC 843-953-5327 • F 843-953-5697 gourdink@email.cofc.edu Karen Schmitt, Managing Editor, DTJ NDTA 50 South Pickett Street, Suite 220 Alexandria, VA 22304-7296 703-751-5011 • F 703-823-8761 karen@ndtahq.com

Defense Transportation Journal

Strengthening Careers — Strengthening our Nation Global Government Strategic Manager, The Hertz Corporation

Maj Gen John E. Griffith, USAF (Ret.) Transportation Logistics Consultant

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A-35

June 2010

Panelists: • BG Mark Scheid, USA (Ret.) • Michael Williams, SES, Deputy to the Commander, SDDC • COL Stan Wolosz, USA, Chief of Staff SDDC • COL Courtney Taylor, USA, Commander 599th Transportation Group SDDC • CSM James Riddick, USA, SDDC Command Sergeant Major • Irv Varkonyi, Adjunct Professor, Transportation & Logistic Management, American Military University

Have you ever wondered how the people at the top made it? A recent NDTA-led A-35 session at the SDDC Training Symposium provided some insight. Active duty and retired military commissioned and non-commissioned officers shared personal and practical experiences during the “Young Leaders Mentoring and Educational Session.” Vignettes applied to career advancement, skill sets, and even interaction with senior staff. For young professionals in the audience, the discussion offered a true taste of “what to do and what not to do” in order to get ahead. Educational opportunities were also discussed. The DOD is focusing more and more on the value of joint-ness from the perspective of both active duty members and civilian partners, and the concept, as it applies to logisticians, has taken a new direction with the opening of the Center for Joint and Strategic Logistics at the National Defense University. The Center will enable all services

NDTA will offer MORE educational opportunities for young professionals at the 64th Annual NDTA Forum & Expo (September 18-22, 2010, National Harbor). Visit the Forum Web Site (www.ndtahq.com/forum.htm) for updates. NDTA will also hold its first Team NDTA 5K Fun Run/Walk at the upcoming Forum. It is hoped that this will become an annual Forum event in support of the NDTA Scholarship Fund. The NDTA 5K Fun Run/ Walk is open to runners and walkers of all ages and all skill levels. It is scheduled for September 19 after the Golf Tournament and before the Sunday evening Scholarship Event sponsored by YRC Worldwide so everyone will have a chance to participate. I look forward to seeing everyone in their running or walking shoes! Today’s young professionals are tomorrow’s leaders, and the NDTA A-35ers are working hard to strengthen our Nation—to continue on the path our predecessors have paved.

branches to better integrate educational resources in the field of logistics. This will bring increased opportunities to young logisticians in their pursuit of command logistics positions. Session panelists also provided an overview of educational opportunities in logistics and supply chain management available through accredited online programs and through traditional “brick and mortar degrees” from private sector universities. NDTA extends grateful thanks to Fred Rice, SDDC Command Affairs Office, who helped coordinate the special A-35 session at the SDDC Training Symposium. DTJ

EDITORIAL Perspectives Dr. Kent N. Gourdin, Editor DTJ Director, Global Logistics and Transportation Program College of Charleston

oming up with a topic for each issue’s editorial is really quite stressful for me. I figured I’d be in good shape this time because I had to fly out to Los Angeles for a conference last week. Surely, I thought, something will happen that will give me fodder for this issue. Unfortunately, such was not the case. Security lines moved quickly, all departures and arrivals were on time; my luggage made it, and I got to watch Avatar for free. Nuts . . . nothing there. How about the LA traffic? That is almost always a topic waiting to happen, but not this time. Moving at an average speed of about 80 mph, transit to and from the hotel in Anaheim was head-

errata David Henze-Gongola is no longer with SkyLink. Please add to the SkyLink Principal List: Mark Thielmann, Chief Operating Officer

ache free, with no tie-ups whatsoever. Ok, now I’m starting to get nervous. Of course, the ash cloud spewing from the volcano (no, I’m not going to spell out its name) in Iceland severely disrupted air traffic to, from, and within Europe, but there really isn’t too much to say about that. Better safe than sorry, in my opinion, even if the flight cessations were somewhat precipitous as

Thanks to our Chapters for providing activities in recognition of National Transportation Week! Remember, you can celebrate TRANSPORTATION any time. Here are some thoughts: • Learn about transportation history at a train, plane, or maritime museum. Visit our Heritage Rail site for ideas: www.ndtahq.com/Heritage TrainMuseums.htm • Share your enthusiasm with youngsters in your life. You might inspire the next train engineer! • Getting there is half the fun! Try an alternate mode on your next trip. How about a train? • Take a Transporter to lunch! continued on page 32

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Defense Transportation Journal

June 2010

PRESIDENT’S CORNER Intermodal by RAIL LTG Ken Wykle, USA (Ret.) NDTA President

hat a difference a year makes. A year ago in this column, I discussed the challenging economic conditions caused by the near collapse of our financial, housing, and automotive industries. The effects of these economic crises continue to impact the transportation and logistics industries, but now the trend lines are moving in the right direction. Much more needs to be done, especially in the housing market; however, the recovery appears to be underway. As I write this column at the end of April, the Journal of Commerce reports increased revenue and profits for JB Hunt and Landstar. The first rail line to report quarterly earnings, CSX Transportation, was significantly higher than analyst’s projections. Companies are returning locomotives and cars to service and recalling employees who had been furloughed. The rail sector appears to be well on the “road” to recovery after last year’s recession. This DTJ is focused on rail transportation. Railroads replaced water as the primary means of moving freight and people in the mid-1800s when President Lincoln championed land grants and enabled the railroads to obtain rights of way that resulted in connecting the Eastern states with those in the West. The railroads opened the West to easier movement of freight and people. For almost 100 years, rail dominated the movement of passengers and freight in the United States. After WWII and the increased production of airplanes and trucks and the construction of the interstate, travelers migrated to planes and automobiles for personal travel and trucks for freight. Railroads continued to move bulk commodities like coal, grain, and chemicals. With the invention of the container and the concept of containers being transferred from ship to truck chassis it was only a matter of time for the

intermodal concept to be applied to rail movements. Containers move quickly and easily from ship to on dock rail or from truck to rail to truck. These innovations improved freight flows and resulted in efficiencies. The ocean steamship lines in coordination with Western railroads then implemented the “double stack” concept and almost overnight doubled the rail capacity for containerized freight. Recognizing the efficiencies of moving double stack trains from ocean ports to inland destinations, the Class I Eastern railroads are upgrading their infrastructure in order to move double stack trains from the Eastern ocean ports into America’s heartland. Norfolk Southern is raising the height of tunnels and bridges to enable double stack trains to move from Norfolk to Chicago in less time and with more freight. They designated this route as the “Heartland Corridor.” CSX is doing similar upgrades for their “Crescent Corridor.” These infrastructure upgrades double the capacity for moving containers on existing lines and shortens the supply line to/from the mid-west locations. Rail provides the means to move military heavy equipment in large quantities. The M-ATVs are moving from the manufacturing plant to the port via rail. Tanks, Bradley Fighting Vehicles, and other combat equipment are often moved by rail. See the accompanying articles in this issue of the DTJ pertaining to the use of rail during WWI, moving M-ATVs via rail, the environmental advantages of rail, the SDDC’s 757th Transportation Battalion rail training programs, and the importance of rail in the Northern Distribution Network (NDN). To learn more about today’s rail industry, plan to attend the NDTA Forum in September. Mr. “Wick” Moorman, CEO of Norfolk Southern, will speak on Tues-

day, September 21. Additionally, we will present a break out session on how the United States is leveraging rail capability along the NDN to support US Forces in Afghanistan. We are well along in preparing for the annual Transportation and Logistics Forum and Exposition in National Harbor, MD (Greater DC area). The program is in draft, speakers are accepting our invitations, session leaders are stepping forward, networking events are being arranged, guest activities are being organized, and the Expo floor plan has been mailed to exhibitors and is online. Go to www.ndtahq.com/forum.htm to register for the Forum, reserve your Exhibit space, or book your hotel room. If you are in the defense logistics or transportation business, or if you want to enter the government market, mark your calendars and plan to be in National Harbor, MD, 18-22 September 2010. Thank you for your commitment to the Association and the daily contributions each of you make in support of our Nation’s economy and to our National security. DTJ

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SUSTAINING MEMBERS

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regional patrons • • • • • •

Alaska West Express Cavalier Logistics Chapman Freeborn Airchartering Lynden, Inc. Miramar Transportation Tennessee Steel Haulers

www.ndtahq.com | 9

Photo courtesy of Norfolk Southern

Railroads serve us well. From America’s expansion westward in the mid-1800s to moving troops, supplies, and consumer goods, our Nation has depended upon the rail industry. The June DTJ offers some perspectives starting with Warfighter needs in Afghanistan. Many thanks to all who shared rail resources: the Center for Strategic and International Studies; the Defense Freight Railway Interchange Fleet and the Rail Business Section (SDDC); Duke University Library Archives; US Transportation Museum (Ft. Eustis, VA); and our NDTA Rail Members— Association of American Railroads, BNSF, CSX, Norfolk Southern, Kansas City Southern, and Union Pacific.

Railroads to the Rescue By Denny Edwards

n WWI, it was the railroads that carried the majority of armaments, supplies, and troops that helped bring victory to the US. Sadly, the “war to end all wars” turned out to be a slogan only, and in less than 25 years we were engaged in WWII. Once again, in even greater measure, we depended on the Nation’s railroads to support the war effort. But the importance of railroads is not all about history. Fast forward to our current situation in Afghanistan, and once again it looks like rail will play a crucial role resupplying our armed forces. To transport 10 |

Defense Transportation Journal

US military supplies to the war zone from the seaport of Karachi on the Indian Ocean through Pakistan to landlocked Afghanistan, there is only one dangerous and highly vulnerable road. This 1000-mile-long route subjects civilian drivers (who are not allowed military escorts) to kidnapping, ransom, road-side bombs, and ambushes while transiting the infamous Khyber Pass and the hostile terrain of the Hindu Kush. Since early 2006, US Forces have been looking for alternate, and more secure routes to resupply Afghanistan. Their efforts bore fruit in mid-2008 with the opening of the Northern Distribution Network (NDN): several routes to the

June 2010

Map 1

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North through Central Asia, in some places roughly paralleling the Old Silk Road. Not surprising, the centerpiece and most important route is the one that transfers cargo from the Latvian port of Riga to long Russian trains that carry the supplies through Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to Afghanistan. (see map 1). It is interesting that the rail line and the equipment is the same that was built by the Russians in the 1980s to support their war with Afghanistan. Railroads, again in a strange irony, are becoming the resource, via the NDN, that binds countries in the region together, just as they did in the early US Western expansion westward. According to US Central Command, more than 5000 containers resupplied Afghanistan from the North in 2009, and the command forecasts that fully one-third of all surface traffic will traverse the NDN in the future. If the Afghan war ends successfully, these current Military Supply Routes (MSR) could convert to a new purpose for civilian commerce and enhanced regional prosperity for nearby Central Asian nations. It could also give a new meaning to “MSR” – Modern Silk Route. Railroads are also in the news in other parts of the world. China, according to financial analyst Tom Murray, is causing a “rail renaissance” that in the last decade has produced a boom in traffic and revenue that is unprecedented in the lifetimes of today’s railroaders. More than 50 percent of the international containers moving on North American rails are carrying Chinese-manufactured goods, says the Association of American Railroads (AAR). UP and BNSF combined have the largest market share of international container traffic entering or exiting the West Coast of the US, Canada and Mexico.

Both railroads have access and provide service to the four major container ports: LA/Long Beeach, Oaklnad, Seattle and Tacoma. Network strengths, terminal options and competitive service offerings provide the UP and BNSF and advantage over other options for customers wanting to ship through the West Coast. East Coast carrier Norfolk Southern, however, is also coming on strong, mainly because of its new Heartland Corridor launched in 2007. You can learn more about the Corridor in the March 2010 NDTAGram and from Norfolk Southern President and CEO, Charles Moorman, Keynote Speaker at our Forum this September. Also, for the first time since the demise of the US passenger train in the 1950s, rail travel is back in the news with the announcement earlier in the year of $8 billion in grants set aside to promote High Speed Intercity Passenger Rail. Although increased support for Amtrak is part of the program, it goes far beyond that. Thirteen new, large-scale, high-speed rail corridors, will be developed, and rail projects in 31 states will receive funding through the Recovery Act stimulus plan (see map 2). United States freight railroads are also in the news. Whether because of their increasingly efficient use of fuel (on average, 480 miles on a gallon of fuel according to the AAR) or their smaller carbon foot print, rail is once again being looked at as a very crucial element in the increasing movement of freight, intermodal cargo, and the high-speed movement of people. All countries need a balanced and efficient transportation network to thrive in today’s world and rail transportation will continue to be one of the crucial components in both wartime and peace.

Map 2

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Defense Transportation Journal

June 2010

Fast Facts (Brief) - RAIL CREDIT: AAR

• Rail moves 43% of intercity freight—the largest of any mode. • One train load can take the load of approximately 280 trucks. • In recent years, railroads have nearly doubled their freight. volume from 1980 levels, but they did so using virtually the same amount of fuels. • Freight trains are almost four times more fuel efficient than trucks on a ton-mile basis. • The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that for every ton-mile, a typical truck emits roughly three times more oxides of nitrogen and particulates than a locomotive. • If just 10 percent of the freight moved by highway were diverted to rail, the nation could save as much as 1 billion gallons of fuel annually. Military Legacy • Railways played a dominant part in the Civil War for both the North and the South. The North held the advantage because tracks had been standardized, while different gauges were in use in the South. • “In 1943, the railroads carried 730 billion ton-miles of freight—six times the total of the next largest carier, the Great Lakes ships. The total was seven times that of pipelines and more than 15 times all inter-city trucks combined. The total was 29 times that of barges and boats on inland waterways other than the Great Lakes.” • “Between December 1941 and June 1944, 23,300,000 troops were carried in organized movements within the US, and 97.75% of them traveled by rail. Army freight and express totaled 173 million tons, and all but 8.5% of that was carried by the railroads.” • Compared to WWI, there were 1/4 fewer rail employees, and 1/3 fewer locomotives, 1/4 the freight cars, and 1/3 the passenger cars—but rail moved on a monthly average about twice as many troops and nearly twice as many ton-miles of freight as in WWI. This was accomplished while rail remained in private hands.

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NDTA salutes our Rail Members! NDTA’s Rail Member companies share several things in common: they are dedicated to keeping the warfighter supplied, capable, and ready for any challenge, and they aim to create the best transportation value for the US Armed Forces. They also realize that military experience carries with it special skill sets that embody core competencies essential to corporate America, such as leadership, teamwork, and ability. For this reason, rail companies recruit veterans with confidence and provide them with continued support and opportunities during their tenure.

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) AAR members include major freight railroads (US, Canada, Mexico) as well as Amtrak. Membership oversees a 140,000-mile rail network and sets new standards for innovation, safety, and technology. Railroads are environmentally sensitive, energy efficient, and work tirelessly to build and expand our economy. Freight railroads meet our nation’s transportation needs today and will have an even more positive impact in the future.

CSX Actual testimonials are an excellent barometer of value, and CSX employees who have served have great things to say. Here is just one example: “My transition to a civilian career was seamless and pleasant, due to similarities between military and railroad life. The biggest is how the many departments and crafts work together to accomplish a common goal. The rail industry is a dynamic operation just like the military. CSX, much like the military, has a large infrastructure where anyone with determination has the opportunity to succeed. CSX gave me all the tools I needed to start my career, and to constantly improve.” CSX serves these strategic facilities: Fort Drum, NY (10th Mountain Div.); Ft. Bragg, NC (82nd Airborne); Ft. Stewart, GA (3rd Infantry Div.); Ft. Campbell, KY (101st Airborne Div.); Ft Eustis, VA (US Army Transport Corp); Blount Island, FL (832nd Transport Brigade); Charleston, SC (Naval Weapons Station); Savannah, GA (841st Transport Brigade); Philadelphia, PA (1192nd Transport Brigade); and Depots at Bluegrass, KY; Letterkenny, PA; Military Ocean Terminal, NC.

Kansas City Southern (KCS) Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) BNSF serves all military installations and ports either directly or through partnerships. Main volumes of military business include service to and from the National Training Center (NTC) at Fort Irwin, California and the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) at Fort Polk, Louisiana, along with deployment and re-deployment service to strategic ports and commercial ports. BNSF employs more than 6000 veterans, almost 15 percent of its workforce; approximately 100 employees are currently serving. More than 1000 BNSF employees have been called to active duty since September 11, 2001.

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Defense Transportation Journal

The Kansas City Southern Railway Company (KCSR) is proud to support its current employees on active duty, actively recruit new employees from the armed forces, and provide freight service to military bases. KCSR was recognized by the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve as a patriotic employer for contributions to national security and protecting liberty and freedom by supporting employee participation in America’s National Guard and Reserve Force. KCSR reaches out to military personnel and veterans in its recruitment efforts through job fairs and targeted advertising in an effort to hire transitioning service personnel and others with military experience. KCSR also provides freight rail service to the US Army’s Fort Polk in Louisiana and Camp Shelby in Mississippi and the military’s commercial strategic seaports at Beaumont, Corpus Christi, and Port Arthur, TX.

June 2010

NOTE: Member press releases have been edited for space

Norfolk Southern (NS) Norfolk Southern (NS) is a military veteran— with service dating back to the Civil War. The partnership lives on today. During 2009, NS moved more than 6000 carloads of vehicles, fuel, and ammunition for the armed forces and national government agencies, including more than 3000 carloads of Humvees; 2500 carloads of jet fuel; 1300 carloads of trucks, jeeps, light personnel carriers, and equipment; 1000 carloads of M1, M2, and M88 tanks; ammunition; and rocket propellants. This same year, Norfolk Southern was selected by: the USAF to move missile transporters and ATK rocket boosters; NASA to move rocket motors; and the Department of Energy to move heat exchangers. NS also moved entire divisions of Army bases as part of BRAC and will be participating in the transportation of more than 160 carloads of tanks, Humvees, and light vehicles from Fort Knox, KY, to Fort Benning, GA.

Union Pacific (UP) Union Pacific (UP) has proudly supported the US Military and the DOD for more than 100 years. Created by Abraham Lincoln with the signing of the Pacific Railway Act in 1862, Union Pacific was built with the help of many Civil War veterans who came west to survey the transcontinental route and construct the railroad. UP currently serves 22 installations, ports, and ammo depots—more military installations and ports in the Western US than any other railroad—and will be participating in the dedication of two new rail expansions at Fort Riley, KS, and the Idaho National Guard facility later this year. The military is grateful. In 2010, Union Pacific received recognition from Vice Admiral D.J. Debbink, USN, for its strong commitment to employees serving in the National Guard and Reserve. In 2008, Union Pacific was presented the Freedom Award, the US government’s highest employer recognition.

M-ATVs Begin to Move by Rail By Jon S. Meyer, COL, USAFR (Ret.) Sr. Account Manager, CSX Transportation

n June 30, 2009, the DOD announced it had selected Oshkosh Corp. to supply MRAP All Terrain Vehicles (M-ATVs) for its fighting forces. Oshkosh has received an initial delivery order from the US Army Tank Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) Life Cycle Management Command (LCMC) for 2244 M-ATVs valued at $1.05 billion. Due to the sense of urgency to deliver the M-ATVs to the warfighter, the vehicles were initially trucked to the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) facility in Charleston, SC, for final outfitting of various classified components. Cheryl A. Thompson, Logistics Management Specialist, SPAWAR Systems Center Atlantic, was instrumental in providing the requirements for delivery to the SPAWAR facility. Rich Howell, CSXT’s military business manager, stated, “CSXT has been pushing for more than a year to capture this business. Through a coordinated effort with the Defense Contract Management Agency’s Milwaukee, WI, office, CSXT put together pricing for a jointline move with the Wisconsin Southern Railroad (WSOR) and Canadian National Railroad from Oshkosh to Chicago. The cars are interchanged at Chicago and CSXT moves the loaded cars to Charleston.” In a competitive bid, the WSOR was selected as the winning origin carrier. The WSOR has a loading ramp in the vicinity of the Oshkosh Defense plant, where the vehicles are loaded onto the

railcars. Upgrades to the ramp were accomplished to ensure the M-ATVs could be safely loaded. Jim Lombard, Vice President of Marketing, WSOR, stated, “We’re elated to be able to provide origin rail service for the movement of M-ATVs from Oshkosh Defense. While we did have to invest some capital to upgrade our loading ramp, it has been well worth the effort to support the nation’s warfighters.” The arrangement provides for the movement of about 40 M-ATVs per week during the next several months. The MATVs are resistant to roadside bombs and better help protect military personnel in the field. They are shipped to Pakistan and Kuwait by air and ocean carrier, and are then convoyed to Afghanistan and Iraq. TTX 89-foot flatcars are used to move the M-ATVs. The cars come equipped with tie-down chains and have a loading capacity of 140,000 lbs. Since the WSOR does not have access to this type of car, CSXT provides the cars, which are returned to Oshkosh, WI, for reloading. Transit time is monitored from origin to destination to ensure that the cars move promptly to Charleston for unloading at CSXT’s Bennett Yard. CSXT service design personnel use the Network Operating Work Station system to provide real time visibility over the cars that move in the railroad’s freight manifest system. John Sheller, Director Flats for CSXT, is responsible for ensuring adequate car supply and transit time performance. Mr. Sheller stated, “Extensive planning has gone into securing the proper amount of railcars to support this move from Oshkosh, WI, to Charleston, SC. The transportation plan and coordinated efforts on

both the loading and unloading ends has been critical in expediting these shipments for the warfighter. The plan and execution is a well oiled machine!” Once the cars reach Charleston they are placed for unloading and delivery to SPAWAR by Star Intermodal, a subcontractor for CSXT. Star Intermodal is well experienced in loading and unloading all types of military equipment, said Ken New, President and CEO of Star Intermodal. CSXT prides itself in providing costeffective transportation services to the Department of Defense. The company directly serves Ft. Drum, NY; Ft. Campbell, KY; Ft. Stewart, GA; and Ft. Bragg, NC. In addition, the Military Ocean Terminal at Sunny Point, NC, is served by CSXT, along with the munitions depots at Letterkenny, PA, and Bluegrass, KY. As the redeployment from Iraq continues, CSXT provides for the movement of reset fighting vehicles from various ports of disembarkation, for example, Blount Island, FL, to depots around the country.

M-ATV and the Humvee (edited from Army News Service, April 14, 2010)

The mine-resistant ambush-protected all-terrain vehicle, or M-ATV, will replace many of the up-armored Humvees in Afghanistan because it offers more protection. Third Army has been in the process of moving equipment such as M-ATVs out of Iraq as part of the drawdown, resetting that equipment, and sending what is needed to Afghanistan. While the Army isn’t finished with the Humvee, it did recently announce that it has reached its “acquisition objective” for the vehicles—meaning that it had finally received as many as it had planned to buy. The last purchase of Humvees comes to about 2662 of the vehicles, according to Vice Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. General Peter W. Chiarelli, speaking before the Senate Armed Services Committee readiness and management support subcommittee. He added that the Army plans to recapitalize 5046 unarmored Humvees, at a cost of about $55,000 per vehicle, and will recapitalize 4270 up-armored Humvees in FY 2011 at a cost of about $105-$130,000 per vehicle.

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Defense Freight Railway Interchange Fleet

versized equipment and vehicles, like the M-ATV or MRAP bound for the Warfighter, are shipped via rail on flat cars that are specially outfitted to accommodate heavy loads. In many cases, the flat cars are part of the Defense Freight Railway Interchange Fleet (DFRIF; also known by their DODX reporting marks) that is owned and managed by SDDC. DFRIF cars are registered with the Association of American Railroads for use in interchange service on all commercial railroads. The DODX fleet is used in preference to commercial rail equipment to satisfy DOD Component mission requirements, except when the use of commercial equipment produces a lower overall cost. At times, commercially owned flat cars do not meet specialized military requirements or are not available in sufficient numbers. In these instances, the DFRIF “comes to the rescue” to make sure deliveries reach the ports for shipping overseas to FOBs. The predecessor to the DFRIF originated with the purchase of tank cars during WWI in the support of ammunition production, perhaps because for the first time the government produced some of its own explosives instead of buying them from industry. During WWII, purchase of other car types as well as more tank cars caused total fleet numbers to grow. One reason for the purchase of flat cars was the increased weight of tanks and similar vehicles. Through WWII most of them could be shipped two to a commercial, four-axle flat car. The military liked the lower unit cost of shipping two to a car, and, once that was no longer possible on railroad-supplied cars, by the end of the Korean War had bought its own six-axle heavy capacity

thank you 16 |

ETO, Di ammu jon/Reding, nition Off loa to cap ding, 1 tured Germa 55 MM n freig ht cars .

, Robert Singer iller & T/Sgt M of is r w de Le lin PFC of cy e in middle ne. part the valv German engi d ge fla ou m a2-8-2 ca Vintage photos courtesy of the US Army Transportation Museum, Fort Eustis, VA.

flat cars in order to continue the practice. Very heavy capacity plain, depressed, and well deck flat cars were bought beginning in the1950s to handle nuclear ship parts. Until TTX Company started its QTTX fleet, the DFRIF had the largest heavy capacity flat car fleet in North America. Although there were thousands of Petroleum, Oil, Lubricants (POL) tank cars in the fleet during WWII and the Korean War, the need for such cars was greatly reduced by the spread of pipelines and the closure of numerous air bases after the Gulf War; they now operate only in the Carolinas. On the up side, as a result of its deployment per-

US war flat car manufactured in US for overseas use.

formance in preparation for the Gulf War, the Army decided that it needed to make major investments so that it could deploy faster. The DRIF was not neglected, with about 1100 cars being purchased, the last of them being delivered in 2001. DTJ

Many thanks in helping to prepare a DTJ salute to the Rail Industry: • • • •

Association of American Railroads (AAR) Center for Strategic & International Studies Defense Freight Railway Interchange Fleet, SDDC Duke University Library Archives

Defense Transportation Journal

June 2010

• Rail Business Section, SDDC • US Transportation Museum, Ft. Eustis, VA • NDTA Rail Members (AAR, BNSF, CSX, Norfolk Southern, Kansas City Southern, & Union Pacific)

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Hybrid Airships for Heavy Lift Conference March 31 - April 1, 2010 Hosts: • Bonnie Green, Executive Director, The Patuxent Partnership • Dr. Suzy Young, Dir., Advanced Science & Technology Directorate, Aviation & Missile Research, Devel. & Engineering Ctr. • John C.F. Tillson, Deputy Director, Strategy, Policy and Assessments, US European Command

Presentations: • “USTRANSCOM—Meeting a Global Challenge,” General Duncan McNabb, USAF, Commander, USTRANSCOM • “EUCOM/AFRICOM/TRANSCOM. Point-ofNeed Delivery (POND) Experimentation Campaign,” LT COL Brian “Gazer” Mead, USAF, EUCOM, J8-C, Experimentation • “Joint Task Force—Haiti,” LTG Ken Keen, Deputy Commander, SOUTHCOM, and COL Alex Vohr, J4 SOUTHCOM • “Current Capabilities for Unmanned Airships for Battlefield ISR & Communications Shortfalls,” Brian Matkin, Sr. Engineer and Program Mgr., Westar • “Long Endurance Multi-Intelligence Vehicle (LEMV),” Ed Loxterkamp, Rapid Acquisition Lead, DOD ISR Task Force, USD(1), OSD • “Airships: Everything You Thought You Knew,” Pete Buckley, Airship Pilot, Integrated Systems Solutions, Inc. • “History of Hybrid Aircraft 2000 to Present,” Steve Huett, Dir. Advanced Development PMO for Airship Concepts, NAVAIR • “OSD Heavy Lift Perspective,” COL Dale Holland, USAF, Emerging Capabilities, Defense Research & Engineering • “Heavy Lift Applications,” Bill Crowder, Dir. for Advanced Technologies, LMI • “NASA Ames Airship Research,” Dr. Alan Weston, Dir. of Programs, NASA Ames • “From the Fundamental to Applied: Considerations for Practical Airship Operations,” Dr. Mark Lewis, Chair, Aerospace Dept. University of Maryland • “Collaborative Engineering and Research Capabilities to meet DOD HybridAircraft Heavy Lift Requirements,” Dr. John Horack, VP for Research, University of Alabama, Huntsville • “Nontraditional Requirements,” Jacques Collignon, Sr. Regional Logistics Officer, UN World Food Programme • “OMNI Warfare Game Changer: Laser Beam Weapons + Static Lift,” Chuck Meyers, President, Aerocouncil, Inc. • “Future Deployment and Distribution Assessment,” Dave Cannella, Chief, USTRANSCOM JDPAC Programmatic Div.

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Defense Transportation Journal

Hybrid Airs Outside the Box Solutions for the Front Line

he Aviation Missile Research Development and Engineering Center, the US European Command, and the Patuxent Partnership joined forces to sponsor the “Hybrid Airships for Heavy Lift Conference” on March 31–April 1. The speakers were impressive, not only for their breadth of knowledge and achievements but also for their belief in airship technologies. The audience was fully engaged throughout the duration of the two-day event. Participation from General Duncan McNabb, USAF, commander of USTRANSCOM, and Lieutenant General “Ken” Keen, USA, commander of Joint Task Force (JTF) – Haiti, on opening day was especially meaningful. USTRANSCOM was slated to receive the Joint Meritorious Unit Award the very next day from Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates; and General Keen appeared live from Haiti (via Skype) where he took time to share a personal account of the largest humanitarian mission ever undertaken in US history.

Pushing the Envelope According to General Duncan McNabb, a seasoned Air Force pilot who has logged more than 5600 aircraft hours, the best

June 2010

flight performance exists at the “edge of the envelope” where speed and attitude are in perfect balance. A similar finesse governs successful supply chain management, and in this case, velocity is not the primary driver. If processes are not in place to receive, store, and deliver the goods forward, it doesn’t matter how quickly things come. “TRANSCOM pushes the envelope,” McNabb explained, “through superb training, absolute discipline, peak fitness, team work, and communication. We win in the pits.” Lighter Than Air (LTL) technology— Hybrid Airships—may be just the push that TRANSCOM needs to continue meeting the many irregular demands faced in Afghanistan, Haiti, or other “hot spots.” Testing has demonstrated that hybrid airships can rise to the challenge. They provide platforms for diverse operations like heavy lift, ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Response), or satellite communications when ground lines are impaired. They offer an alternative intermodal node (or “seamless connector”) that can synchronize delivery and distribution. Airships are safe, reliable, and cost effective. Except for use in advertising and novelty tours, airships these days are an infre-

ships By Karen Schmitt quent sight. Perhaps the memory of the Hindenburg or developments in heavierthan-air (HTA) flight, trucking, and maritime transport have rendered them slow or cumbersome. Fortunately, advances in avionics, computer assisted design, and weather forecasting among other technologies are generating renewed attention from commercial, government, and military sectors that may anchor airships on our horizon and in expanded new roles. Forward Thinking – Forward Strategies TRANSCOM is looking to transform the business of distribution, and TRANSCOM’s commander is open to all of the tactical possibilities that airships can offer from mitigating infrastructure shortfalls to overcoming austere environments. “It’s something we’ve talked about quite a bit. We sure could have used an airship in Haiti . . . supplies had to go through debris and crowds of homeless people. An airship would have made a big difference.” Collateral initiatives, like the Joint Precision Air Drops (JPADS) System, have done much to extend TRANSCOM’s reach, yet it costs ten times as much to deliver the goods by conventional air than by surface; heli-

copters are more costly. [NOTE: McNabb hailed drones as “an exciting prospect” for air drop in Afghanistan last December saying that they could make the cost “pretty cheap.”] In 2005, for Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), TRANSCOM delivered 2 million pounds of resupply airdrop, and 29 million in 2009. This year, 60 million pounds are projected. Air drops as is are not completely efficient, though, which is why a heavy lift airship might make a nice fit for TRANSCOM. “If we could figure this out, it would be a critical connector. It’s an exciting time. We’ve had over 8 years of lessons learned delivering forces over great distances . . . but that last tactical mile has been especially rough. As the DPO [Distribution Process Owner], if I can get it to the port, that’s only half the battle. Whether it’s Haiti or Afghanistan. TRANSCOM is spending a lot of time figuring out how to get to those hard to reach forward places.” General “Ken” Keen has been on the distribution “front lines” in Haiti since the earthquake struck. Speaking via Skype following McNabb’s remarks at the Conference, he told the audience that strategic heavy airship support would have provided a huge logistical advantage to the JTF team. Haiti was at the lowest end of the spectrum in terms of capabilities even before the disaster. After sustaining a shallow 7-point earthquake on January 12, the only gateway into the island was the airfield—and it was just barely open. The harbor piers were wiped out and the cranes had collapsed fouling the waterway. Regarding interiors, it was next to impossible to navigate even on foot.

Had airships been available, thousands of lives could have been saved. Within hours, airships could have been tethered to release rescue teams, medical personnel, and life saving provisions. Earth moving equipment and heavy lift materiel could have been dispatched in following waves of relief assistance after ground landing wherever necessary and/or possible. Imagine how much worse it would have been if Haiti’s airport had been totally damaged, or how many supplies could have been delivered directly to those in need rather than being lost to pilferage. The first items were dropped on January 18, after lawlessness broke out on the ground and goods were stolen for black market distribution. Airships could have brought civil order to the chaos through surveillance. Generals McNabb and Keen set the stage for a host of distinguished speakers from industry, academics, and the Naval Research Lab Squadron VXS-1—the Pilot in Command of the Navy Airship MZ-3A. Exhibits from Aeros Aeronautical Systems Corporation, Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works Defense Technical Information Center, Hybrid Air Vehicles, Ltd., and Ohio Airships, Inc. rounded out the show. A wide range of subjects and displays addressed a new transport rationale—one that definitely falls “outside the box.” Epilogue On April 1, General McNabb accepted the Joint Meritorious Unit Award on behalf of USTRANSCOM. The award is granted to joint activities for meritorious continued on page 21

While not LTA technology, Boeing’s A160T Hummingbird UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) also pushes the envelope. It has a range of 2500 nautical miles, endurance of 16 to 24 hours, and can carry a payload of 1000 to 2500 lbs, doing it all more quietly than a conventional helicopter. Imagine what the Hummingbird could do in war zones or in disaster relief—it has all the positive search characteristics of a helicopter, but much longer endurance. Photo: DARPA

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OUTSIDE the Box – MZ-3A | LEMV | A160T NAVY The Navy has resurrected its Lighter-ThanAir (LTA) program on March 2, 2010, when the MZ-3A airship took to the skies over Naval Air Engineering Station (NAES) Lakehurst, NJ, on a “functional check flight.” The MZ-3A flew under the banner of Scientific Development Squadron ONE (VXS-1), working in conjunction with its parent organization, the US Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) and Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR). Flights in the coming weeks and months will be the first LTA operations since the Navy decommissioned the last LTA Patrol squadron in 1962. MZ-3A, the first Navy airship purchased since 1960, is manufactured by American Blimp Corporation and is a Government Owned/Contractor Operated commercial “off the shelf” asset that is a slightly modified version of the “Lightship” seen hovering over stadiums and outdoor events. The airship’s platform is 178 feet in length. It offers a 3000-pound payload capacity coupled with a fuel burn rate of approximately 10 gallons per hour at cruising speed (55 mph); and less when holding in “loiter” mode. Multiple DOD and industry entities have shown interest in the capabilities that airships bring to the table. NRL and NAVAIR have already coordinated several MZ-3A Science & Technology projects through VXS-1 ensuring the future value of this platform for years to come and the return of the LTA force to the US Navy. As this issue of the DTJ goes to press, the MZ-3A is in transit to Marine Corps Air Station Yuma where it will be stationed for at least the next 6 months. While there, according to CDR Chris Janke, USN, VXS-1 Commanding Officer, the airship hopefully will become an integral part of “a multiservice venture to impact the warfighter.” On its journey to Yuma, the MZ-3A relies on a mast truck to provide a broad, stable mooring area at each stopping point. ‘‘It secures to the truck,” explained Janke. ‘‘It needs a big circle.” The MZ-3A and crew will follow two interstate highways, first I-95 South and then I-10 West. Whether or not to follow highways doesn’t really matter to the airship, but it does to the ground crew. They need as simple a path as possible, so they can keep track of the aircraft location at all

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Defense Transportation Journal

June 2010

times. The ground crew also transports spare parts, an additional mast, and a mobile fuel tank. RESOURCES | DC Military: “VXS-1 Airship visits Pax“ (March 18, 2010) By Christine Basham NAVAIR Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey; “Navy Lighter-Than-Air Program Still Flying” (March 15, 2010) By Thomas Worsdale and Lawrence Lyford.

ARMY The US Army is exploring heavy airlift possibilities, too. In particular, a LongEndurance Multi-Intelligent (LEMV) hybrid airship that could be used on surveillance missions in Afghanistan. A Request For Proposal (RFP) was issued in February of this year, with some follow up modifications. Basic performance requirements for the LEMV airship include: optionally unmanned; 3-week endurance; 2500-pound payload capability; operating altitude of 20,000 feet above mean sea level; 16 kilowatts of payload power; multi-intelligence capable; supportable from austere locations; 80-knot dash speed and 20-knot station keep speed. US Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command (SMDC/ARSTRAT) is holding a competition and plans to award the “other transactions authority” OTA contract for the airship. [NOTE: OTA was originally created to attract non-traditional commercial firms who are at the “cutting edge” of technology to do business with the government. In this case, an ISR consortium—Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance—has been formed.] Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Hybrid Air Vehicles, Aeros, and others are considering to bid. The OTA is for a five-year technology demonstration, with performance tests to begin in 18 months of contract award, expected in June, and testing and demonstration to be conducted in Afghanistan over the remaining term of the agreement. In theater, the LEMV will provide persistence surveillance with a variety of electrooptical, radar, and SIGINT [Signals Intelligent] sensors, as well as a communications package that could serve as a radio relay for ground forces. The Army airship takes up in many ways where the Navy left off with its blimp fleet, the ZPG-3, heavily used during and after

World War II. These blimps served as a sensor platform, housing a radar system used to detect Soviet bombers. Rick Zitarosa, a historian with the Navy Lakehurst Historical Society in Lakehurst, NJ, said the Army’s airship project is a high-tech twist on the first military use of balloons in the Civil War, which provided human observers with an elevated view of the battlefield. Using an airship in Afghanistan, Zitarosa said, would provide the Army with the kind of long-term surveillance of a battlefield it could get with a satellite, but the cost of the airship would be far lower. The Army plans to spend $76 million on its airship program this fiscal year and has designed the procurement to attract bids from companies that traditionally do not do business with the DOD. Sources | Aviation Week 2/15/2010 by Graham Warwick; NextGov by 2/12/2010 Bob Brewin

INDUSTRY (BOEING) Boeing’s A160T Hummingbird UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) has successfully completed a simulated mission test proving its ability to resupply frontline troops in rough terrain. The A160T carried 1250pound sling loads over two 150-nauticalmile round trips operating autonomously on a pre-programmed mission proving the craft is capable of delivering at least 2500 pounds of cargo from one simulated forward-operating base to another 75 nautical miles away in well under the required six hours. The A160T completed seven test flights during the demonstration, including a twominute hover at 12,000 feet with the 1250pound sling load and a nighttime delivery to a simulated forward operating base. Boeing says the A160T’s ability to execute extremely accurate autonomous deliveries also was demonstrated. Boeing’s A160 Hummingbird (military designation: YMQ-18A) incorporates many new technologies never before used in helicopters, allowing for greater endurance and altitude than any helicopter currently in operation. Flights are largely autonomous, with the aircraft making its own decisions about how to fly itself so as to meet certain objectives, rather than relying on real-time human control.

continued from page 19

achievement or service, superior to that which is normally expected in combat, emergency situations, or extraordinary circumstances that involve national interests. The citation reads, in part: “For exceptional meritorious achievement from 1 March 2007 to 28 February 2010 . . . the US Transportation Command consistently displayed exceptional collaborative leadership and execution of wartime missions for United States forces engaged in Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. The Command’s three components—Air Mobility Command, Military Sealift Command, and Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command—carried over 5 million passengers, 25 thousand patients, and 7.5 million short tons in support of United States Central Command’s two main operations . . . USTRANSCOM expedited delivery of thousands of sets of individual body armor, armored vehicles,

and supplemental armor kits, in addition to supporting troop surges in Iraq and Afghanistan.” As summer approaches, US troops are drawing down in Haiti. Approximately 500 will remain as part of US Southern Command’s enduring partnership and continued humanitarian assistance. The exercise “New Horizons–Haiti” will be

established to construct school classrooms and emergency operations centers to help Haitians prepare for possible future natural disasters. Recently, LTG Ken Keen, who is also the Military Deputy Commander of US Southern Command, turned over Joint Task Force–Haiti to MG Simeon Trombitas. Keen will go down in history as having successfully led one of the largest disaster relief efforts undertaken by the US. DTJ

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www.ndtahq.com | 21

2010 SDDC Symposium NDTA Expo March 8-10, 2010 â&#x20AC;¢ Atlanta, GA

photo album

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Defense Transportation Journal

June 2010

PANELS

FUNCTIONAL BREAKOUT SESSIONS

“Optimizing Deployment and Distribution in Support of Full Spectrum Operations”

• • • • • •

Facilitator: COL(P) Edward F. Dorman III Deputy Commanding General, SDDC Panelists: • Rick Boyle, Vice President, US Flag Transportation Services Maersk Line, Limited • Redding Hobby, SES, Executive Director, Strategic Programs Directorate (J-39) Defense Logistics Agency • BG Michael J. Lally, Director, Operations and Plans, USTRANSCOM • LTC Ralph Riddle, Commander, 832nd Transportation Battalion, SDDC

“The Future of the Joint Deployment and Distribution Enterprise”

• • • • • • • •

Facilitator: Michael K. Williams, SES Deputy to the Commander, SDDC

Container Management Global Air/Water Transportation Execution System (GATES/WPS) Overview of the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) SDDC Customer Satisfaction Performance Metrics Personal Property Program Rates and Invoicing Updates Overview of the Integrated Surface Deployment Data Cleansing Tool (ISDDC) Young Leaders Mentoring and Educational Session SDDC Docketing System and the Carrier Appointment System (CAS) – Support to the Warfighter Continuous Process Improvement Techniques for Personal Property Operations ETA/SDDC Help Desk Government Ethics – Changes to Fraud and Ethics Laws for TSPs and Government Personnel Bridge to DP3 Government Cargo Recovery Effort Program (GOCARE) & Transportation Discrepancy Reporting Single Load Planning Capability (SLPC)

congratulations

Panelists: • Mark Averill, Director, Force Projection and Distribution, Army G-4 • BG(R) Barbara Doornink, USA (Ret.) Senior VP and Operations Manager, SAIC • Bill Kenwell, Senior Vice President and COO, Maersk Line, Limited • Lisa Roberts, Acting Assistant Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Transportation Policy, Office of the Secretary of Defense

SDDC Grand Prize Drawing winner: Cruise Jamie Murphy, Corporate Manager, Government Logistics Services Phoenix International Freight Services, Ltd.

save the date 2011 SDDC Training Symposium & NDTA Expo April 4-6, 2011 Sheraton Hotel | Dallas, Texas

expo major sponsors

www.ndtahq.com | 23

ASSOCIATION NEWS* Houston Chapter The March 25 NDTA-Houston Chapter meeting was held at Brady’s Landing. Alec Dreyer, CEO at the Port of Houston Authority, was the keynote speaker. “About 70 people—a record number for the chapter—attended the luncheon,” said Robert Morgan, NDTA-Houston Chapter president and PHA Trade Development manager–customer service. “That includes representatives from the ports of Beaumont and Port Arthur, the 842nd Transportation Battalion, the US Customs and Border Protection, and International Longshoreman Union locals as well as local university students.” Dreyer, in his position at the port authority since September 2009, provided a port update explaining the importance of the Port of Houston to the region and to the Nation. More than 785,000 jobs in Texas are tied to port activities; and nearly $118 billion is generated to the region’s economy. “One of my primary responsibilities is to carry our message of economic development both here in the US and to our global trading partners, doing whatever we can to ensure that the Houston region continues to play a vital role,” said Dreyer. The Port of Houston is one of the biggest players in the industry, ranked first in the US for foreign tonnage for the past 13 years, first in US imports and second in total US tonnage for the past 18 years, and second in US overall export tonnage. Dreyer emphasized the continuing need for funding to the US Army Corps of Engineers for Houston Ship Channel maintenance projects. During 2010, federal funding totaled $19 million, though the need is nearly twice that much. In 2011, because of shortfalls in previous years, $40 million will be needed just to catch up. As a result of inadequate federal funding levels, more than 80% of the ship channel is neither as wide or deep as it should be. This could threaten navigational safety, drive away current and potential port customers, and put Houston at a competitive disadvantage in the marketplace. It could ultimately undermine the port authority’s state-chartered mandate to promote economic development, he said. The port receives only eight cents per ton of cargo—roughly one-fifth of the av24 |

Defense Transportation Journal

*Some articles have been condensed due to limitations in space.

erage 42 cents per ton that other US ports receive in federal funding to maintain their shipping waterways. “This fact alone should spur us to work more closely together, to project one united voice on this issue,” he said. “Our delegation is working very hard right now to obtain adequate funding in a very challenging environment on Capitol Hill.” Nationally, the port provides $285 billion in economic activity and sustains more than 1.5 million jobs while generating over $16 billion in federal tax revenues annually. While 2009 was a difficult year for ports, Dreyer said that the Port of Houston has not suffered as severely as many other ports around the country, which reflects the broad diversity of products that move through the port and the strong population growth in Texas. “We’re seeing the early stages of a national recovery,” he said. “Total container tonnage at the port’s terminals was up an impressive 16 percent in February compared to the same month last year.” Laying the foundation for increased cargo in 2014, the 100th anniversary of the Port of Houston and the target year for completion of the Panama Canal expansion, PHA has $345 million in capital improvement projects planned for 2010 and 2011. Scott-St. Louis Chapter The NDTA Scott-St. Louis chapter takes pride in its community service projects, especially those that enhance the lives of veterans who have fallen on hard times. The Joseph Center, a full-service living center in East St. Louis for up to 26 homeless veterans trying to regain their lives, is a current Chapter initiative. Sponsored by The Eagle’s Nest of St. Clair County, it is the only shelter of its kind in the St. Louis metropolitan area, and one of only three sites in the US, that offers roundthe-clock, long-term care and counseling. Residents leave the Center as selfsufficient, responsible, contributing members of the community. The Scott-St. Louis Chapter began its relationship with The Joseph Center on

June 2010

Martha Watts, Jennifer Tubb, and Michelle Sabin standing next to photo of Martha’s late husband, Carl, unveiled during the ceremony. The Center was a dream that she and her husband had.

Martha Watts watches as CSM Hawkins pins a commemorative red, white, and blue corsage.

October 26, 2009, when members toured the facility with Director Martha Watts. She explained that help was needed to launch the Center. Chapter corporate sponsors and Chapter members donated time, talent, and supplies to a Dedication Program. Donna Biffar designed The Joseph Center Logo; Jennifer Tubb created business cards; and, Michelle Sabin stayed in touch with the Director to ensure that every need was met. A Dedication and Home Warming was held on Veterans Day, November 13, and was a huge success! Chapter members attended and presented Martha Watts with a red, white, and blue corsage to commemorate the day. Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Hawkins, Military VP, participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony and delivered the keynote address. The Scott Air Force Base Honor Guard posted the colors. Martha Watts was the special guest at the January Chapter meeting; Jennifer

Tubb presented her with “Dreams Do Come True,” a collection of photos and memorabilia from The Joseph Center Dedication and Home Warming. Since opening, the Center now shelters 22 residents; 12 are employed either full or part time, and 5 are registered for classes at the local community college. It is clear that when given the chance, veterans can define and seek their own goals with success. The Scott-St. Louis Chapter will donate $5000 to refurbish the TV Room/ Lounge/Living Room where residents can gather and socialize in a comfortable, cozy atmosphere. Currently, this room is not so inviting. Because residents face significant stress every day—job hunting, paying bills, getting back on their feet—a more positive environment might make the difference in their recovery. Chapter members are negotiating with area businesses for a flat screen TV, sofa, chairs, and other touches. They will clean, paint, and decorate. Their goal is to dedicate the room during National Transportation Week. The Chapter will continue the relationship with The Joseph Center through on-going fundraising support, professional development, and other assistance initiatives. Tidewater/Norfolk Chapter www.ndta-norfolk.org There’s lots going on with the NDTA Tidewater/Norfolk Chapter! Membership is strong with a good mix of active duty and retired folks involved in a variety of industry professions. The Chapter maintains a close association with SOLE (the International Society of Logistics), a sister logistics organization. Approximately 145 members are currently engaged in Chapter programs and events.

Lamberts Point Coal Terminal facilities tour on the Elizabeth River in Norfolk, Virginia.

• • Chapter Demographic Air

Consulting Contact Only Corporate Education Freight Forwarder/Express Government Civilian Highway Industrial Traffic Management Lodging/Hospitality/Travel Logistics/3PL Manufacturing Marine Military Other Passenger/Travel Services Rail Technology Undefined

11 1 2 2 4 14 5 1 7 2 1 16 36 15 1 4 5 29

• • •

Chapter President and Commander, Information Operation Support Center (IOSC) Fairfax, VA. Holiday Dinner Cruise aboard the Spirit of Norfolk, December. Facilities tour of Norfolk International Airport focused on current and future airport projects. Facilities tour of Lamberts Point Coal Terminal on the Elizabeth River, Norfolk focused on operations. Corporate presentation by Norfolk Southern on the Heartland Corridor and the Crescent Corridor initiative. NDTA-NOLSC Symposium this past January in Norfolk (photos).

Lectures, social events, and hands on tours keep monthly programs interesting. Some of the most recent offerings include:

Tidewater Chapter table display at the NDTA/NOLSC Symposium in Norfolk, January 2010.

• Hampton Roads Transit presentation on the area’s new Light Rail project “The Tide.” • “Cyber Networks and their Impact on Intrastructure,” by Ken McGrew,

Tidewater/Norfolk Chapter volunteers at the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia.

www.ndtahq.com | 25

The Chapter supports the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia through contributions and volunteer efforts at the facility. Members also support the Chapter Scholarship Fund, which awards tuition assistance to local students. There are several military installations in the area: Langley Air Force Base and Fort

Monroe in Hampton, Ft. Eustis in Newport News, the Coast Guard in Portsmouth, Little Creek Amphibious Base, and the Navy maintains a strong presence with the Naval Station Norfolk, Norfolk, and the Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia Beach. If you are ever in the Tidewater area on business and your schedule coincides with

Chapter programming, be sure to join in. Local attractions will keep you busy as well, such as: Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown for the history buff or the Mariner’s Museum in Newport News, which houses the turret of the USS Monitor. Visit our website at www.ndta-norfolk.org for more information. DTJ

| in memoriam | General Thomas Roy Mikolajcik USAF (Ret.)

“Tribute to a Soaring Eagle” Sara Sisson, of Delta Air Lines, shows the NDTA Soaring Eagle Award to Brigadier General Tom Mikolajcik, award namesake. The plaque is inscribed with winners of the NDTA Golf Tournament that is sponsored by Delta Air Lines and that was first presented in 2007 in Charleston, South Carolina, the city that Mikolajcik championed as a Forum destination. General Mikolajcik is an inspiration not just to golfers or to members of the Charleston Chapter—he also inspires service men and women nationwide who battle ALS, known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. He fought tirelessly to raise awareness and was responsible for the commitment from Congress and the Department of Veterans Affairs to fund medical care for military members who suffer from this horrible disease. The plaque celebrates our very own “Soaring Eagle,” and it will continue to be presented at the annual NDTA Golf Tournament in General Mikolajcik’s memory.

hose of us in the Charleston Chapter recently lost one of our own when Brigadier General Thomas Roy Mikolajcik USAF (Ret.) passed away April 17, 2010, after battling ALS for six and one-half years. General Mikolajcik had a distinguished 27-year career in the US Air Force. After graduating from the Air Force Academy in 1969, he served in operational and command positions across the Air Force and around the world. His final assignment was as the Director of Transportation at HQ USAF. Following retirement, he made Mt. Pleasant, SC, his permanent home and became a transportation and logistics consultant until diagnosed with ALS in 2003. He was a tireless advocate for victims of the disease, testifying before the Congressional House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs leading the effort to ensure all veterans with ALS are granted service-connected disability benefits. Gen Mikolajcik was an active member of our chapter and was instrumental in bringing the Annual Forum to Charleston in 2007. He was a transporter’s transporter who will be sorely missed by all who knew him. (Kent Gourdin) DTJ

| in memoriam | Edward Driscoll

dward Driscoll, attorney and former government and aviation official, died on April 23, 2010, at his home in Arlington, VA. Driscoll gave more than 64 years in government and industry service in key executive posts involving aviation. During WWII, he was assigned to the US Coast Guard Reserve, then served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of the US Air Force. Driscoll later was Executive Director of the US Civil Aeronautics Board; Chairman, President, and CEO of the National Air Carrier Asso-

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Defense Transportation Journal

ciation; and General Counsel of the International Air Carrier Association, Geneva, Switzerland. He played a key role in support of National Defense as the architect of the civil reserve air fleet program, a key transport arm of the US Air Force providing more than 200 transport air craft for deployment of troops to Iraq, Iran, and Afghanistan. This service remains as effective today as it was when it was developed in 1959. He also pioneered in support of legislation to deregulate the air transport industry. Driscoll was

June 2010

a member of the United States negotiation teams expanding the rights of his carriers into the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Norway, Korea, Japan, and Australia. This expanded operations in the Atlantic for Charters to 27% of the market. He received the US Air Force Exceptional Service Medal for Distinguished Patriotic Service and was an active member of NDTA’s Military Airlift Committee for many years, serving as Chairman of that committee. DTJ

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INDUSTRY NEWS*

*Some articles have been condensed due to limitations in space.

>> You’ll find Industry News each month in the NDTAGram. Check online for current and archived issues. www.ndtahq.com <<

Bertling Logistics, Inc. Bertling Logistics, Inc., is pleased to announce the winners of our SDDC Atlanta Conference American flag drawing. We at Bertling are proud of our many ties to both employees, family members, and friends who have served or are currently serving our great country. We thought it best to present beautiful flags that symbolize the love of our country and dedication of our proud military and the families that support them. We wanted to thank those who took the time to visit our booth. We hope this is the start of a tradition for years to come and will plan for a much larger drawing next year due to the strong support we’ve received. The 2010 winners are Michael Plummer, Norfolk, VA; Kathleen Davis, St. Johns, FL;

Christopher Gibbs, Norfolk, VA; Terrence Moore, Chesterfield, MO; Earl Gephardt, Baltimore, MD; Cathy Schoepfle, Scott, IL; Norma Jean Pangelinan-Cruz, Mountain Home, ID; Joe Settles, San Antonio, TX; David Boone, Camp Pendleton, CA; and Luis Rosario, Fort Eustis, VA. “This flag, which we honor and under which we serve, is the emblem of our unity, our power, our thought and purpose as a nation . . .” – President Woodrow Wilson

GEODECISIONS GeoDecisions, NDTA Sustaining Member and IT company specializing in geospatial solutions, has announced the release of Trailer Tracking Service (TTS) for military freight in its patented IRRIS technology.

In accordance with the Defense Transportation Regulation, Part II, Chapter 205, TTS augments the Satellite Motor Surveillance Service (SNS) to enhance the security and visibility of Arms, Ammunition, & Explosives (AA&E) and Other Sensitive Materials (OSM) shipments moving in commercial closed-box van trailers. Defense Transportation Tracking System (DTTS) II, a module of IRRIS, was expanded to include TTS as part of the suite of capabilities offered to track AA&E and OSM for the DOD. With the addition of TTS, DTTS II enables simultaneous and independent tracking of both the commercial carrier power unit (tractor) and the trailer. The DTTS Operations Center can receive an alert if a closed-box van trailer has unhooked from a tractor or if a trailer door has opened. Prior to this implementation, the SNS only tracked the location and status of a tractor.

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Terms and Conditions: Coupon valid for a one time, one car group upgrade on a compact (group B) through a full-size four-door (group E) car. Maximum upgrade to premium (group G). The upgraded car is subject to vehicle availability at the time of rental and may not be available on some rates at some times. Coupon valid at participating Budget locations in the contiguous U.S. One coupon per rental. A 24-hour advance reservation is required. May not be used in conjunction with any other coupon, promotion or offer except your member discount. For reservations made on budget.com, upgrade will be applied at time of rental. Renter must meet Budget age, driver and credit requirements. Minimum age may vary by location. Fuel charges are extra. Rental must begin by 12/31/10.

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Budget features Ford and Lincoln Mercury vehicles.

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Defense Transportation Journal

June 2010

17669

Experiential Tours & Equipment

gomra.com

MOBILITY RESOURCE ASSOCIATES (MRA) This spring, NDTA Member Mobility Tours designed a Resource Experiential Associates (MRA) & Equipment mobile display unit for the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA); it was presented during their Annual Advocacy Week program. The rig, parked before the Capitol Building, was a spectacular sight and attracted several Congressmen and their staffs and representatives of the VA and the VFW. Soon after, GSA scheduled MRA’s services and use of specialized expandable semi trailers services to share information with the public.

TRANSPORTATION INTERMEDIARIES Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA), NDTA Sustaining Member and 3PL professional organization, has granted 30 industry professionals the designation of “Certified Transportation Brokers” (CTB). “The CTB designation truly distinguishes brokers in today’s competitive transportation marketplace,” said TIA President and CEO Robert Voltmann. The CTB program, created in 1986 to significantly increase the professionalism and integrity of property brokers, tests knowledge of brokerage, ethics, contracts, pricing, legal and regulatory requirements, as well as the latest trends in transportation and business management.

GOVERNMENT NEWS*

Of the 47 people who took the examination this April, only 30 passed, which shows the rigorous nature of the test. Participants must earn at least five candidate points, which are based on professional experience and education to be eligible to take the exam. The participants must also have at least one year of experience working as a broker. Candidates may earn additional CTB eligibility points if they have completed formal education such as being granted a Bachelor’s or a Master’s degree. TIA also offers an online CTB Home Study Course that lasts for a period of up to 17 weeks in addition to sponsoring the examination. The course helps individuals who are seeking CTB certification to prepare for the examination. More than 1400 participants have earned the much sought after CTB designation. DTJ

*Some articles have been condensed due to limitations in space.

Army Milestones—Moving ONwards and UPwards The Chief of Staff, Army announces the assignments of the following officers: Major General Kenneth S. Dowd, Director for Logistics, J-4, US Central Command, MacDill AFB, Florida, to Commanding General, 1st Theater Sustainment Command, Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. Major General James E. Chambers, Commanding General, Sustainment Center of Excellence and Fort Lee, Fort Lee, Virginia, to Director for Logistics, J-4, US Central Command, MacDill AFB, Florida. Major General James L. Hodge, Commanding General, Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, to Commanding General, Sustainment Center of Excellence and Fort Lee, Fort Lee, Virginia.

Major General Kevin A. Leonard, Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics and Operations, United States Army Materiel Command, Fort Belvoir, Virginia, to Commanding General, Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. Col. (Promotable) Edward F. Dorman III, Deputy Commander and Director of Operations for the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command at Fort Eustis, Virginia, to Commander and Commandant of the United States Army Transportation Center and School at Fort Eustis.

Department of defense (DOD) The DOD has announced the winners of the 2010 “Commander in Chief ’s Annual Award for Installation Excellence:” • Fort Bragg, Fayetteville, NC • Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California • Naval Base San Diego, CA • Elmendorf AFB, Anchorage, AK • Defense Distribution Depot Susquehanna, New Cumberland, PA The award recognizes the outstanding and innovative efforts of the people who operate and maintain US military installations. The recipients of this highly competitive Presidential award were selected for their exemplary support of DOD missions. A recognition ceremony was held May 5 at the Pentagon. Installation excellence enables better mission performance and enhances the quality of life for military men and women and their families. Each winning installation succeeded in providing excellent working, housing, and recreational conditions. DTJ www.ndtahq.com | 29

HONOR ROLL

SUSTAINING MEMBERS AND REGIONAL PATRONS

ALL OF THESE FIRMS SUPPORT THE PURPOSES AND OBJECTIVES OF NDTA

SUSTAINING MEMBERS AAR Mobility Systems ABF Freight System, Inc. Air Transport Assn. of America Air Transport International, LLC AIT Worldwide Logistics, Inc. American Maritime Officers American Public University System American United Logistics ARINC Army Air Force Exchange Service Arven Freight Services, LLC Associated Global Systems Baggett Transportation Co. Boyle Transportation Byrne Transportation Services, LLC Cardinal Transport, Inc. Cargo Transport Systems Co. Carlson Hotels Worldwide Chalich Trucking, Inc. Chamber of Shipping of America Comtech Mobile Datacom Corporation CRST International, Inc. CSC Crowley Maritime Corp. CWT SatoTravel C2 Freight Resources, Inc. Dell Perot Systems, Inc. Delta Air Lines, Inc. Dynamics Research Corp. Enterprise Database Corporation

REGIONAL PATRONS AAAA Forwarding, Inc. Access America Transport, Inc. Acme Truck Line, Inc. AFC Worldwide Express/R+L Global Services Alaska West Express American Moving & Storage Assn. Association of American Railroads ATS Specialized, Inc. Avis Budget Group AWARDCO Freight Management Group, Inc. Benchmarking Partners Bertling Logistics, Inc. C5T Corporation Cargotec USA, Inc. The Cartwright Companies Cavalier Logistics Center for the Commercial Deployment of Transportation Technologies (CCDoTT) Ceres Terminals, Inc. Chapman Freeborn Airchartering Chassis King C.L. Services, Inc. Coastal Maritime Stevedoring, LLC Corporate Flight Management

30 |

Express-1 Fikes Truck Line GE Aviation General Dynamics/American Overseas Marine General Dynamics NASSCO GeoDecisions Global Maritime & Trans. School-USMMA Greatwide Truckload Management Hi-G-Tek, Inc. Intercomp Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) Intermarine, LLC International Longshoremen’s Association, AFL-CIO Intl. Organization of Masters, Mates and Pilots ITLT Solutions, Inc. JB Hunt Transport, Inc. Kansas City Southern Keystone Shipping Company Knight Transportation KU Transportation Research Institute Kuehne + Nagel, Inc. Liberty Global Logistics, LLC Liberty Maritime Corporation LMI Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. M2 Transport Mack Trucks, Inc.

ManTech International Corp. Martin Logistics, Inc. Matson Navigation Co., Inc. Mayflower Transit McCollister’s Transportation Systems, Inc. Marine Engineer’s Benefits Association Menlo Worldwide Mercer Transportation Co. Mobility Resource Associates National Air Carrier Assn., Inc. National Van Lines New England Motor Freight, a Shevell Group Co. North Carolina State Ports Authority NYK Logistics Americas OAG Ocean Shipholdings, Inc. Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. Omega World Travel Omni Air International, Inc. OSG Ship Management, Inc. Overdrive Logistics, Inc. Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association PAI Pilot Freight Services PODS Port of Beaumont Powersource Transportation, Inc. Pratt & Whitney Prestera Trucking, Inc.

PRTM Management Consultants, LLC Priority Solutions International Radiant Logistics Partners, LLC RAITH-CTS Logistics Sammons Trucking Savi, a Lockheed Martin Company Sealed Air Corp. Sealift, Inc. Seafarers Int’l Union of N.A. AGLIWD Sea Star Line, LLC Southeast Vocational Alliance Southwest Airlines SRA International, Inc. Stanley, Inc. SSA Marine Textainer Equipment Management TQL Totem Ocean Trailer Express, Inc. (TOTE) Transportation Institute Transportation Intermediaries Assn. (TIA) Tri-State Motor Transit, Co., (TSMT) Tucker Company Union Pacific Railroad United Airlines UPS Freight United Van Lines, Inc. UTi Worldwide, Inc. UTXL Wagler Integrated Logistics, LLC XIO Strategies, Inc.

Delaware River Maritime Enterprise Council (DERMEC) Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group EADS North America EMO Trans, Inc. Enterprise Holdings Erudite Company Europcar Car & Truck Rental Executive Apartments, Inc. FlightWorks Fox Rent A Car General Freight Services, Inc./ Coyote Logistics LLC Goverline Logistics Great American Lines, Inc. Green Valley Transportation Corp. Hanjin Transportation Co., Ltd. Hawaii Air Cargo, Inc. Hilton Worldwide Holiday Inn VA Beach – Norfolk Hotel & Conference Center The Howland Group, Inc. HudsonMann, Inc. Hyatt Hotels and Resorts Innovative Green Solutions Kalitta Charters, LLC

Korman Communities AKA a division Labelmaster Software Limitless International, Inc. Logistics Management Resources, Inc. LTD Management Company, LLC Lyden, Inc. Marriott International McLane Advanced Technologies MCR Federal, LLC (MCR) MBA | Morten Beyer & Agnew Meyer Trucking, Inc. Military Sealift Command (MSC) Miramar Transportation Naniq Systems, LLC NCI Information Systems, Inc. Oakwood Corporate Worldwide ODINTechnologies Panalpina Patriot Contract Services, LLC Payless Car Rental Perez Bros., Inc. Philadelphia Regional Port Authority Phoenix International Freight Services, Ltd. Port of Port Arthur Port of San Diego Reckart Logistics, Inc.

Royal Trucking Company Scan Logistix, Inc. Seabridge, Inc. Sea Box, Inc. Silk Road Air & Logistics SkyLink—(USA) Sleep Inn and Suites SLT Express Way, Inc. SR International Logistics, Inc. Stratos Jet Charters, Inc. Staybridge Suites Chantilly/Dulles Airport TAPESTRY - FSG Tennessee Steel Haulers Trailer Bridge, Inc. Transcar GmbH Trans Global Logistics Europe GmbH TRI-STATE Expedited Service, Inc. Truva International Transportation & Logistics Unimasters Logistics PLC US Bank (Power Track) US Suites Utley, Inc. Venture Express, Inc. The Virginian Suites Yurtiçi Logistics Supply Chain Management and Distribution Inc.

Defense Transportation Journal

June 2010

Agility Defense & Government Services + PLUS American Shipping & Logistics Group (ASL) + PLUS APL Limited + PLUS Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings + PLUS The Boeing Company + PLUS Bennett Motor Express + PLUS Choice Hotels International + PLUS CEVA Logistics + PLUS FedEx + PLUS Global Aviation Holdings, Inc. + PLUS Horizon Lines, Inc. + PLUS IBM + PLUS InterContinental Hotels Group + PLUS KGL Holding + PLUS Landstar System, Inc. + PLUS Maersk Line, Limited + PLUS National Air Cargo + PLUS Panther Expedited Services, Inc. + PLUS Ports America Group + PLUS Rock-It Cargo USA, LLC + PLUS Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC) + PLUS Supreme Group USA, LLC + PLUS Universal Truckload Services, Inc. + PLUS YRC Worldwide + PLUS Accenture American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier, LLC BNSF Railway Co. Booz Allen Hamilton Bristol Associates CorTrans Logistics, LLC CSX Transportation

DB Schenker DHL Global Forwarding Evergreen International Airlines, Inc. Hapag-Lloyd USA, LLC The Hertz Corporation International Shipholding Corp. Lockheed Martin

Norfolk Southern Corporation Northrop Grumman Corporation The Pasha Group Qualcomm Incorporated R&R Trucking SkyBitz UPS

These corporations are a distinctive group of NDTA Members who, through their generous support of the Association, have dedicated themselves to supporting an expansion of NDTA programs to benefit our members and defense transportation preparedness.

www.ndtahq.com | 31

Dr. Kent N. Gourdin

Waiting on a Train: The Embattled Future of Passenger Rail Service— A Year Spent Riding Across America Waiting on a Train: The Embattled Future of Passenger Rail Service—A Year Spent Riding Across America, by James McCommons, (Chelsea Green Publishing, 2009), ISBN-13: 9781603580649, Paperback, 304pp, $17.95.

uring the tumultuous year of 2008—when gas prices reached $4 a gallon, Amtrak set ridership records, and a commuter train collided with a freight train in California—journalist James McCommons spent a year on America’s trains, talking to the people who ride and work the rails throughout much of the Amtrak system. Organized around

continued from page 7

some are now alleging. I certainly would not have wanted to be on the plane that disproved that assertion. In short, I’ve been reminded just how great a transportation system we are blessed with in the United States. Some-

these rail journeys, Waiting on a Train is equal parts travel narrative, personal memoir, and investigative journalism. Readers meet the historians, railroad executives, transportation officials, politicians, government regulators, railroad lobbyists, and passenger-rail advocates who are rallying around a simple question: Why has the greatest railroad nation in the world turned its back on the very form of transportation that made modern life and mobility possible? Distrust of railroads in the nineteenth century, overregulation in the twentieth, and heavy government subsidies for airports and roads have left the country with

a skeletal intercity passenger-rail system. Amtrak has endured for decades, and yet failed to prosper owing to a lack of political and financial support and an uneasy relationship with the big, remaining railroads. While riding the rails, McCommons explores how the country may move passenger rail forward in America—and what role government should play in creating and funding mass-transportation systems. Against the backdrop of the nation’s stimulus program, he explores what it will take to build high-speed trains and transportation networks, and when the promise of rail will be realized in America. (From the Publisher) DTJ

times in the “sturm und drang” of the day-to-day routine, it’s easy to forget the joys of uneventful cross-country air travel or the pleasures of driving on (relatively) unencumbered interstates. One can argue that we don’t get to experience seamless trips all that often anymore, but we’ve still got it better than most other countries

around the world. Much of the strength of our transport network comes from the military/civilian partnerships that work so well in the Defense Transportation System and are so evident in the membership of the NDTA. Would we have today’s Interstate Highway System without its original justification as a military necessity? How about a US Flag Merchant Marine fleet without peacetime and contingency defense sealift contracts? Would our strategic airlift posture be as strong as it is today without the active participation of our airline partners through the Civil Reserve Air Fleet? I suspect we all know the answers to those questions. I can only hope that your next long distance trip allows you to see the forest rather than just the trees. DTJ

Epilogue As an appropriate “ending” to our perspective on the importance of rail to our Nation’s history and achievements, there is also an appropriate “beginning”—the ENGINES of FREEDOM, under the auspices of the National Railroad Hall of Fame.

ENGINES OF FREEDOM The National Railroad Hall of Fame celebrates the spirit of railroaders. The ingenuity, vision, and courage embodied in the lives of Hall of Fame inductees offer magnificent stories of national importance. Induction occurs annually; categories include: Birth & Development Era, 1800-1865; Golden Era, 1866-1945; and Modern Era, 1946 to present. “Engines of Freedom” is a project that is currently underway. It will offer a place for visitors to appreciate, enjoy, and understand how railroaders opened new opportunities, developed innovative technologies, created personal freedom, changed the face of America, and continue to point the way to our future. The facility will be located in Galesburg, Illinois.

To find out how you can be involved, or for more information, visit: www.nrrhof.org

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Defense Transportation Journal

June 2010

DTJ Index of Advertisers Agility................................................................................pg. 11 AIT Worldwide Logistics.................................................pg. 3 American Military University..........................................pg. 7 APL.....................................................................................pg. 13 ARC.....................................................................................pg. 27 Bennett International Group............................................pg. 4 Boyle Transportation.........................................................pg. 8 Budget...............................................................................pg. 28 Comtech Mobile Datacom.............................................pg. 17 FedEx.................................................................................. Cov4 ITI - University of Denver...............................................pg. 21 Landstar.............................................................................. Cov3 Maersk Line, Limited........................................................pg. 1 Mayflower..........................................................................pg. 2 SAIC.................................................................................... Cov2

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Landstar has a reputation for providing the same care and precision whether transporting space vehicles for NASA or moving mail for the U.S. Post Office. Just one phone call delivers access to complete over-the-road, expedited, air, logistics and multimodal services. The Landstar system is a network of more than 1,300 independent sales agent locations and more than 32,000 available truck capacity providers.

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Defense Transportation Journal

Articles inside

SDDC Photo Album

Hybrid Airships

Perspectives on Defense Transportation: Rail