DLA Distribution Pearl Harbor anchors logistics for RIMPAC 2026

Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Pearl Harbor provided the backbone of logistics for this year’s Rim of the Pacific exercise, moving thousands of shipments to U.S. and allied warships operating across the Indo-Pacific, according to the agency.

“The team here demonstrated DLA’s ‘Warfighter Always’ commitment by ensuring mission-critical, essential equipment and material reached the fleet and warfighters rapidly, accurately and efficiently,” said Navy Cmdr. Joey Lanclos, commander, DLA Distribution Pearl Harbor. “To strengthen Pacific supply chain resilience and maintain operational readiness, the team leveraged advanced track-and-trace capabilities to maintain full visibility and accountability throughout the distribution process. By quickly locating, processing, and supplying required materiel, DLA Distribution Pearl Harbor delivered dependable logistics and outstanding customer service that directly supported maritime readiness.”

Agency officials said the Pearl Harbor distribution center synchronized with U.S. Navy units and international partners in a real-world test of its ability to surge operations and maintain a resilient supply chain across the theater.

“The primary challenge during this iteration of RIMPAC was successfully managing last-minute changes, urgent support requests from ships and evolving customer requirements, all while maintaining strict equipment accountability,” Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Caleb Handova, a logistics specialist at the Emergency Support Operations Center, said. “We overcame these hurdles through constant communication, continuous tracking and proactive teamwork. This agility enabled the team to adapt to last-minute shifts and consistently deliver the right equipment to the right customer at the right time.”

Over the course of the exercise, the Material Processing Center handled nearly 10,000 deliveries supporting 12 U.S. vessels, the agency said. Work for the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt included processing about 290 pallets of material. The team also inducted more than 1,350 wooden pallets and 1,000 tri-walls for the carrier, delivering 700 of each and staging the remainder at Naval Supply Systems Command Pearl Harbor Fleet Logistics Center.

Support for the amphibious assault ship USS Essex included 120 material pallets processed. Ahead of a July 20 replenishment at sea for the Essex, the team processed, manifested, wrapped and loaded 50 pallets onto trailers.

To keep pace with demand, DLA said personnel extended shifts and worked weekends to avoid gaps in supply. “The workforce operated seamlessly as one team, demonstrating exceptional dedication, professionalism and agility,” said Vangie Kala, supervisor of the Material Processing Center. “To meet fluid operational demands, employees actively adjusted schedules, worked overtime and supported one another across the entire organization. Their ability to communicate effectively, collaborate closely with liaison officers and stay mission-focused ensured that changing customer needs were met with uninterrupted, high-quality support.”

In addition to U.S. fleet support, the center processed 69 requisitions and 43 bills of lading for eight partner nations—Australia, New Zealand, Korea, Canada, Chile, Italy, Spain and Germany—aimed at strengthening interoperability, according to the agency. The Expedited Support Operations Center also managed bearers and pickups for Spain, Australia, Italy and South Korea in coordination with Naval Supply Systems Command logistics representatives.

Officials said the breadth of work, from bulk cargo to time-sensitive foreign shipments, underscored logistics’ central role in keeping a large, multinational exercise on schedule. “Seamlessly supporting eight partner nations during RIMPAC 2026 required deep flexibility, constant communication and tight coordination with liaison officers, partner representatives and internal organizations,” said Navy Lt. Juan Sese, DLA Distribution Pearl Harbor operations officer. “By taking the time to understand each nation’s unique requirements and delivering reliable, timely support, we built vital trust and confidence. This successful multinational collaboration strengthens international bonds and directly improves tactical interoperability for future combined operations and exercises in the region.”