Transforming Indo-Pacific Logistics: Insights from Amentum Leaders

The logistics systems that sustained U.S. military operations over the past several decades must evolve to meet the unique challenges of the Indo-Pacific.

This was a critical insight shared by Amentum subject matter experts during the Pacific Deterrence and Readiness Conference in Hawaii held by the International Stability Operations Association (ISOA), a global, non-profit trade association that connects the private sector with U.S. government and allied agencies to support peacekeeping, post-conflict reconstruction, and other stability operations worldwide.  

To succeed in increasingly contested environments, the logistics model must shift from traditional, linear supply chains to a resilient, distributed, and adaptive network capable of supporting U.S. and allied forces across vast distances.

John Gastright, senior vice president of Amentum government relations and chair of ISOA said, “Building a distributed, networked logistics architecture isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about survivability.”

“In the Indo-Pacific, where we face contested conditions and vast distances, we must develop innovative partnerships, especially with commercial providers, to create resilient and adaptive networks that ensure mission success,” Gastright added.

A new logistics approach requires integrating U.S. military facilities, allied and partner infrastructure, prepositioned resources, and commercial providers.

“By distributing sustainment capabilities, the system can adapt to disruptions and better withstand challenges in contested environments,” said Ian Wheeler, a critical infrastructure analyst with Amentum’s Engineering and Technology business. “Solutions such as autonomous and unmanned systems will play a role, but technology alone cannot solve the problem. The focus must remain on developing a flexible, networked architecture to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape.”

One of the most important elements of this logistics transformation is the integration of commercial capabilities.

Glen Genove, a portfolio manager with Amentum’s Engineering and Technology business said, “Global networks in transportation, warehousing, engineering, maintenance, and supply chains already operate seamlessly across geographic and national boundaries. Properly aligned with military objectives, these assets can create alternatives for suppliers, routes, inventory hubs, and maintenance facilities, adding invaluable redundancy and flexibility.”

“A well-integrated sustainment architecture that leverages U.S. military resources, allied capacity, and the commercial sector is critical to enhancing operational flexibility and readiness,” said Bryan Roberts, vice president of business development in Amentum’s Mission Solutions business. “Each stakeholder has a role to play as we address the dynamic challenges of the Indo-Pacific.”

While creating a distributed and resilient logistics framework is crucial, preparation for contested environments also requires a stronger focus on training, readiness, and energy resilience. Real-world training scenarios must reflect the complexities of operating in hostile environments, while robust and adaptable energy systems are essential to ensuring sustainment in remote and challenging theaters. Only with comprehensive preparation can U.S. and allied forces remain mission-ready and effective in facing regional challenges.

As a global leader in mission-critical services, Amentum is at the forefront of efforts to develop comprehensive, adaptive systems that meet the demands of increasingly contested environments. Amentum’s experts were actively involved in shaping the Pacific deterrence and readiness discussions at ISOA, offering valuable perspectives on the evolution of logistics.

To read more about how Amentum is thinking about contested logistics, visit here.