Micro Market Enhances Quality of Life for Sailors at Naval Support Facility Dahlgren
In Dahlgren, Virginia, on February 8, 2024, Secretary of the Navy Carlos del Toro’s visit to Naval Support Facility (NSF) Dahlgren showcased the Navy’s cutting-edge training and technological initiatives. Among the highlights was a small yet impactful store located within the Surface Combat Systems Training Command (SCSTC) AEGIS Training and Readiness Center (ATRC).
Established in 2019, the Micro Market caters to the daily onboard students across three training shifts and a workforce comprising over 400 service members and civilians. This innovative concept addressed the shortcomings of traditional support services that struggled to meet the needs of SCSTC ATRC students and staff due to varying training schedules and high operational tempo.
The Micro Market, a fusion of vending and convenience stores, operated by the Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM), stands out as a self-service, self-checkout store offering a wide selection of fresh food, healthy snacks, beverages, and traditional treats. It provides a superior customer experience compared to conventional vending machines by offering a diverse range of products while maintaining the efficiency of automated retailing.
Despite its modest size, the NEX Micro Market at ATRC exceeded expectations in popularity and financial performance. In 2024, sales surpassed $500,000, with beverages, particularly coffee, leading the pack in sales.
Commander Jonathan Schermerhorn, SCSTC ATRC commanding officer, emphasized the convenience and morale boost provided by the Micro Market, enhancing the quality of life for both staff and students. The sentiment was echoed by Fire Controlman 3rd Class Zackary Countryman and Fire Controlman 3rd Class Manuel Torres, highlighting the ease of access to refreshments as a significant benefit during long work and school days.
NEXCOM’s commitment to enhancing Navy quality of life services is exemplified by the success of Micro Markets, with plans to expand to 21 additional locations worldwide in 2024. Jesse Webb, NEX Dahlgren exchange manager, emphasized the importance of providing convenient food and beverage access to support mission readiness effectively.
The operational model of Micro Markets ensures a monitored retail environment with self-checkout facilitated through a PCI-compliant automated kiosk payment system. Capt. David Wilson, commanding officer of Naval Support Activity South Potomac (NSASP), praised NEXCOM’s innovative approach to delivering essential services to sailors and commended the honor system on which these stores operate.
Secretary Del Toro underscored the significance of initiatives like the Micro Market in improving service quality for Navy personnel and their families, emphasizing the importance of caring for the Navy’s most valuable asset—its people.
The collaboration between Surface Combat Systems Training Command (SCSTC) AEGIS Training and Readiness Center (ATRC) Public Affairs Officer Kimberley Lansdale and NEXCOM Public Affairs contributed to this insightful narrative.
Date Taken: 02.08.2024 Date Posted: 02.08.2024 14:16 Story ID: 463493 Location: Dahlgren, VA, US