• NAS JACKSONVILLE, Fla.
The Navy Exchange Service Command’s (NEXCOM) distribution center based here sports an enviable record: it has not reported a single workplace accident or injury during the past five years.
With 10 NEXCOM associates on staff, the team supports Navy Exchanges and patrons locally and in the southeast region.
This isn’t just about moving big boxes or coordinating with home delivery carriers and customer pick-ups. They are responsible for manually moving furniture and appliances in a 92,061-sq.-ft. building, ensuring everything gets where it needs to be for Sailors and their families.
CPU TEAM
In the world of logistics, this group of professionals is referred to as the JAX Customer Pick-Up (CPU) team.
In this context, “CPU” refers to their specific section within the distribution center that focuses on handling and processing large-scale products and making them available for a delivery service or direct pickup by the customer — in their case, primarily furniture, appliances, riding lawnmowers and other garden accessories.
Over the past five years, the JAX CPU completed approximately 1,560 checklists on material handling equipment, loaded over 1,000 outbound trucks, and unloaded 2,000 inbound trucks that service the area.
Despite the physically demanding nature of their work and the challenging environment, they consistently maintain 100-percent operational productivity and quality control expectations.
KEYS TO SUCCESS
Scheduling is the key to this success, said Larry Bond, warehouse supervisor at NEXCOM’s Jacksonville Distribution Center.
“The number one factor for this accomplishment is that our teams are thoughtfully balanced and work well with each other,” he noted. “Each associate looks out for one another.”
This culture of mutual support and vigilance is evident in all aspects of the distribution center operations.
Achieving five years accident-free in a physically demanding environment is no small feat. According to Brent McKinney, the general manager (GM) of NEXCOM’s Southeast Distribution Center, it is the result of a culture built on safety, accountability and teamwork.
At its core, the team’s success lies in its commitment to protect one another every shift, every day, including:
• The JAX CPU team takes a proactive approach — staying aware of surroundings, maintaining a clean warehouse, and addressing potential issues before they escalate.
Safety starts with leadership, as managers lead by example and reinforce key messages daily.
• During the hiring process, recruiters place a heavy focus on safety. Candidates tour the facility and answer questions related to safety. New hires observe operations, then train alongside experienced associates.
• Supervisors hold quick, one-on-one check-ins throughout the day to provide feedback — a practice that continues for all staff.
• Associates enforce peer-to-peer accountability by inspecting each other’s safety gear and monitoring equipment.
They report and address issues immediately, sometimes even initiating a safety stand-down to ensure full awareness and corrective action.
HIGH STANDARD
Through collaborative efforts and shared responsibility, the JAX CPU team achieved a markedly impressive milestone, setting a high standard for safety and efficiency.
They believe that their example will spark a flame that ignites the desire for all to surpass what they have achieved, Bond said.
It’s a reminder that excellence can thrive anywhere, even in the most demanding conditions.
Source: NEXCOM via DVIDS
Edited by Larry Lapka
