First commercial deployment of advanced private 5G network for USMC LOGCOM Logistics Base, in collaboration with JMA Wireless, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and Shared Spectrum, aligns with the Department of Defense’s vision for next-generation connectivity.

ARLINGTON, Va., January 14 — Federated Wireless announced a milestone in defense logistics with a 42-month sustainment contract valued at over $6 million with the Marine Corps Logistics Command (LOGCOM) at the Albany, Georgia, logistics hub. This private 5G networking technology, developed with JMA, Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), and Shared Spectrum, marks the Department of Defense’s (DoD) first commercial 5G private network.

Commencing in November, this contract follows the deployment of a private 5G network covering one million square feet with wireless capacity of 40 gigabits per second. The initiative is intended to enhance mission readiness for the United States Marine Corps (USMC) by improving warehouse management. A demonstration indicated improvements in logistics efficiency, achieving 98% accuracy in inventory reordering, a 65% increase in goods velocity, and a 55% reduction in labor costs.

“This 5G network gives our logistics teams an unprecedented level of accuracy, efficiency and flexibility in real-time data access, which translates into faster and more effective support for our Marine Corps units,” said Mr. Dan Elzie, Deputy Commander for the Marine Force Storage Command. The project involves combining existing DoD spectrum assets with new technology to enhance mission readiness and optimize resource allocation.

The Marine Corps Logistics Base (MCLB) in Albany faced challenges with costly fiber optic deployments and inefficient Wi-Fi systems. The DoD, alongside the Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC), selected Albany for a smart warehouse pilot. Through the National Spectrum Consortium (NSC), the DoD solicited proposals for wireless network solutions, awarding a $16.2 million contract to Federated Wireless to implement a private 5G network to modernize operations, including project management, cybersecurity, test evaluation, and lifecycle support.

“We’re honored to support the Marine Corps and help modernize military logistics with this 5G network,” said Iyad Tarazi, CEO of Federated Wireless. “Working with partners, we’re delivering capabilities that will change how military logistics operates.”

Partner Contributions Drive Leading-Edge Technology This deployment of the DoD’s Private 5G strategy involved key partners, including:

JMA Wireless: JMA’s ORAN and XRAN technology supports dynamic network management suitable for a DoD logistics environment. “MCLB Albany is a prime example of the DoD’s Private 5G Strategy in action,” said Andrew Adams, COO of JMA Wireless.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE): The HPE Aruba Networking 5G Core ensures secure, scalable operations for the DoD. “HPE’s robust private 5G core is designed to deliver the speed, security, and scale essential to DoD operations,” according to Stuart Strickland, wireless chief technology officer at HPE Aruba Networking.

Federated Wireless Pioneered Shared Spectrum: The strategic use of CBRS shared spectrum was enhanced by Shared Spectrum’s contributions. “Utilizing the CBRS shared spectrum effectively is critical to providing the Marine Corps with a flexible and resilient communication platform,” stated Iyad Tarazi.

Supporting a Broader Logistics Modernization Initiative Beyond LOGCOM, the private 5G network will support future DoD logistics modernization efforts, enhancing efficiency across additional agencies such as the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) and the Marine Depot Maintenance Command (MDMC).

“We are pioneering this first-of-its-kind 5G solution for defense logistics,” said Joe Thompson, Vice President of Engineering at Federated Wireless. “Our mission is to help the DoD leverage technology to maintain logistical superiority.”

About Federated Wireless Federated Wireless specializes in private wireless and shared spectrum solutions for various industries, focusing on connected, automated, and mission-critical networks.