WHEELER ARMY AIRFIELD, HAWAII – On Aug. 14, the 413th Contracting Support Brigade (CSB) command team and leaders from the Regional Contracting Office-Hawaii (RCO-HI) executed temporary duty travel (TDY) to engage with the U.S. Army Garrison-Pohakuloa Training Area (USAG-PTA) command team and staff. The visit aimed to enhance collaboration, strengthen bonds, and align contracting support with the garrison's operational needs.
The 413th CSB party included Col. Jason Miles, commander of the 413th CSB; Command Sgt. Maj. Julio Calzada of the 413th CSB; Mr. Lorenzo Lopez, chief of contracting for RCO-HI; and Keely Pool, contracting division chief for RCO-HI. The TDY provided an opportunity to reaffirm the brigade's commitment to its mission while assessing and understanding the on-the-ground realities that shape cooperative contracting efforts.
The engagement centered on leaders discussing the complexities of the customer's contracting portfolio, for which the 413th CSB holds execution responsibility. These discussions led to a better understanding of current and upcoming requirements while also addressing friction points related to contracting operations at PTA. The open exchange and mutual respect established a strong foundation for future collaboration.
As part of the visit, Miles recognized Sheldon Takajo, USAG-PTA's contract performance evaluator, with a brigade coin for his exceptional contributions. Takajo's efforts to ensure successful contracting operations were a testament to the valuable partnership between USAG-PTA and the 413th CSB.
The trip also included a tour of USAG-PTA's key operational areas and various facilities, including the vehicle wash rack, airfield, firing ranges, firehouse, dining facilities, Kilauea Military Camp (KMC), and other critical sites. This tour provided the brigade leadership with invaluable insights into the logistical and operational challenges faced by USAG-PTA. A meeting with a contractor managing the vital latrine contract further solidified the brigade's understanding of the ground-level realities, reaffirming the significance of contracting efforts in supporting seamless operations.
Lopez
emphasized the importance of such engagements, stating, "Teaming and getting eyes on the ground allows leaders to make informed decisions. These direct interactions with our mission partners are vital in ensuring our support is aligned with mission needs."
This TDY to PTA reinforced the importance of direct senior leadership engagement with customers and underscored the critical role contracting plays in the success of operations. The insights gathered during the trip will inform future strategies and ensure continued effective support for USAG-PTA.
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