Mirko Nastasi: The Heart of Logistics at Leghorn Army Depot
LIVORNO, Italy – Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Tuscany, the Leghorn Army Depot serves as a vital hub for the U.S. Army’s logistical operations in Europe and Africa. Among the dedicated personnel working tirelessly behind the scenes is Mirko Nastasi, a material handler at the Army Field Support Battalion-Africa (AFSBn-Africa). His journey to this pivotal role reflects not only his personal growth but also the importance of teamwork and organization in military logistics.
A Journey to the Right Fit
Before joining AFSBn-Africa, Mirko Nastasi explored various career paths. From delivering parcels to working security at a supermarket, he sought a position that would resonate with his skills and personality. After five years at AFSBn-Africa, he has found his niche as a material handler, where his organizational skills shine.
“I’m a very organized person. It’s part of who I am, and because of this, this job is very satisfying,” Nastasi shares. His meticulous nature allows him to thrive in an environment where precision and efficiency are paramount. “I enjoy keeping my shop in order, and I enjoy organizing all the materials. I’m very good at conducting inventories, and I’m very accurate. I think I finally found the right job – the right fit – for me.”
Supporting the Mission
In his role, Nastasi collaborates closely with maintenance teams at the Leghorn APS-2 worksite. His responsibilities include ensuring that the teams have the necessary materials to maintain a large fleet of Army Prepositioned Stocks-2 (APS-2) vehicles and equipment sets. This includes everything from wheels and tires to replacement parts and entire engines.
“I enjoy working as a team. I like helping people. If they ask me for something, I get it to them as quickly as possible – sometimes in two minutes or less,” he explains. This commitment to teamwork fosters a sense of camaraderie among his colleagues, creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported.
The Role of a Material Handler
Nastasi’s daily tasks involve operating a forklift and managing the shipping and receiving area at the depot. He is responsible for delivering materials, equipment, and shop stock to various maintenance facilities and warehouses across the APS-2 site. His swift deliveries ensure that mechanics have the resources they need to complete repairs and upgrades efficiently.
AFSBn-Africa is one of four battalions under the command of the 405th Army Field Support Brigade. The battalion plays a crucial role in receiving, maintaining, and storing APS-2 at Leghorn Army Depot, which boasts 16 warehouses with 749,000 square feet of humidity-controlled storage space, alongside four maintenance facilities and 1.5 million square feet of outdoor storage.
Building Relationships Beyond Work
The bonds formed among the team members at AFSBn-Africa extend beyond the workplace. Nastasi emphasizes the importance of these relationships, stating, “I really like my team. We are all friends, almost family. We like to spend time together, both on- and off-duty. Sometimes we go out to dinner together, for example.” This sense of community not only enhances morale but also contributes to a more effective and cohesive work environment.
Supporting Global Readiness
AFSBn-Africa plays a critical role in enabling readiness across two theaters of operations, directly supporting U.S. European Command, U.S. Africa Command, U.S. Army Europe and Africa, and other strategic partners. The 405th Army Field Support Brigade, headquartered in Kaiserslautern, Germany, provides essential materiel enterprise support to U.S. forces throughout Europe and Africa, ensuring that logistics, acquisition, and technology are synchronized to support joint forces.
For more information about the 405th AFSB and its vital operations, visit the official website or follow their official Facebook page.
Conclusion
Mirko Nastasi’s story is a testament to the importance of finding the right job that aligns with one’s skills and values. His dedication to organization, teamwork, and support for his colleagues exemplifies the spirit of the Army Field Support Battalion-Africa. As he continues to contribute to the mission at Leghorn Army Depot, Nastasi not only enhances operational efficiency but also fosters a sense of community that is essential in the demanding world of military logistics.