NSD clearfield remembered

On April 10, the 60th anniversary of the commissioning of NSD Clearfield was commemorated. In recognition of this milestone event, Utah Governor Michael L. Leavitt issued a proclamation making April I 0th "Naval Supply Depot Clearfield Day" in honor of the dedicated men and women of the Navy Supply Corps.

This event paid tribute to the military and civilian employees who worked at the facility from 1942 to 1962. NSD Clearfield when commissioned ranked among the largest naval supply depots in the world. When decommissioned in 1962 the facility was recognized by Distribution Age magazine as having 5 percent of the nation's public warehouse space.

To commemorate the event several prominent guest speakers were invited: Senator Jake Garn, Lt. Governor Olene Walker, and RADM Steven Morgan. The ceremony reflected on the events that transpired 60 years ago at the original commissioning ceremony while paying tribute to the brave young men and women engaged in combat and logistical support of the war in Iraq.

In attendance were several Sailors and Marines who previously had been posted at the facility. Also present were active duty and reserve Navy Supply Corps officers and enlisted personnel. Additionally NJROTC cadets from the Clearfield Job Corps Center played a significant role in making this event happen. This event was also of significance to the local community. The Ogden Standard Examiner published a special edition commemorating the NSD Clearfield Era.

This ceremony was sponsored by Clearfield City and the Clearfield Job Corps Center. NSD Clearfield was closed in the early 1960s (a forerunner of today's BRAC process). In its place two major facilities have arisen, the Clearfield Job Corps Center, and the Freeport Center.

The Freeport Center is a private organization providing warehouse and distribution facilities for several clients including Fortune 500 corporations. The Clearfield Job Corps Center is operated by the Department of Labor, providing job training for disadvantaged youth.

The Navy Supply Corps is a forward-looking organization, but on occasion it is appropriate to look back and reflect on the considerable achievements of our corps. NSD Clearfield may be gone but it is definitely not forgotten. It will always be remembered as one of the significant milestones on the career path of naval logisticians.

CDR Greg Johnson is assigned to Logistics Task Force Pacific. In his civilian career, he is a USAF Contract Negotiator at the Ogden Air Logistics Center, Hill AFB in support of the A-10 program.

Commander Greg Johnson, SC, USNR

COPYRIGHT 2003 U.S. Department of the Navy, Supply Systems Command
COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group