MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- Commissaries across the Department of Defense (DoD), including the Misawa AB commissary, are experiencing global and regional supply chain issues due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Shortages in the Pacific are due to port congestion, shortage of port personnel, and product or equipment availability. The delay in shipment also causes a shortage in containers alongside a shortage of transportation.
All overseas and U.S. commissaries are affected by the shortages; however, overseas commissaries are the highest priority when it comes to receiving product shipments.
According to Mark Bissell, Misawa Air Base commissary officer, per Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA), the supply chain disruption is amplified by the rising number of COVID-19 cases. Potential shortages have been a concern for commissary leadership since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Until distribution gets back on track, frequent to occasional shortages of items may occur. All necessities are incoming, but delays should be expected.
Bissell assured Misawa AB customers, “If we are out of a product, more is coming.”
Additionally, in accordance with U.S. Forces Japan’s current Public Health order, Misawa AB personnel and families are authorized to purchase groceries off-base.