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FRONT BURNER

DLA Celebrates 219 Years of NAVSUP Welcomes New
Logistics Support Commander and a First

efense Logistics Agency Troop Support threw a “birthday party” routine change of command and retirement
Dto celebrate a heritage of 219 years continuous logistics sup- Aceremony at Naval Supply Systems Command
port to the United States, although officially far fewer candles are (NAVSUP) took on added historical significance for
needed to represent its actual age. women’s equality.
Employees filled the DLA Troop Support headquarters lobby Rear Adm. Michelle C. Skubic became the first female
on June 6 for the anniversary celebration. Army Brig. Gen. and to lead NAVSUP and the Supply Corps during the July
DLA Troop Support Commander Mark Simerly hosted the event 13 change of command ceremony at Naval Support
and reminded everyone to be proud of their heritage of support Activity, Mechanicsburg, Pa. She succeeded Rear Adm.
to the nation. Jonathan A. Yuen, who retired as commander, NAV-
“It’s part of your legacy,” Simerly said. “You are part of that SUP, and chief of Supply Corps, capping off 39 years
legacy as well. And I am extremely proud to be a part of this team.” of honorable service to the U.S. Navy.
Although the official “birth” of DLA may stem from the Oct.
1, 1961 creation of the Defense Supply Agency – a single-point
Department of Defense-wide organization necessitated by World
Wars I and II and subsequent conflicts – DLA Troop Support ties its
origins to the acquisition of the Schuylkill Arsenal.
On June 6, 1799, the federal government purchased 8.6 acres of
land on the banks of the Schuylkill River at Gray’s Ferry to construct
the first federal arsenal for the 23-year-old nation. The warehouse’s
purpose was to hold ammunition and other military supplies such
as clothing and textiles. Rear Adm. Michelle C. Skubic, left, and Rear Adm. Jonathan A. Yuen
“From that time forward, we have had a continuous legacy of render honors as Skubic’s flag is raised as part of a change of com-
supporting our nation’s warfighters,” Simerly said. “And we will mand ceremony for commander, Naval Supply Systems Command
(NAVSUP), onboard Naval Support Activity Mechanicsburg, July 13.
continue to have this mission here in Philadelphia.” During the ceremony, Skubic relieved Yuen as commander, NAV-
The manufacturing, storing, and distribution of clothing and SUP, and became the 48th chief of the Supply Corps. Yuen retired
textiles became the arsenal’s sole purpose in 1818. The mission that following 39 years of honorable and distinguished service to the
Navy. (Photo by James E. Foehl, NAVSUP Business Systems Center)
started at the Schuylkill Arsenal carries on today at DLA Troop Support
in Philadelphia as the Clothing and Textiles supply chain, procuring “NAVSUP has a key role in supporting improved readi-
uniform items for the military services and other government agencies. ness and enduring sustainment of our military might,”
Leaders from the Naval Support Activity Mechanicsburg and said Skubic, who previously served as commander, De-
Philadelphia, tenant organizations, surrounding Naval Supply Sys- fense Logistics Agency (DLA) Land and Maritime, Co-
tems Command locations and the Greater Northeast Philadelphia lumbus, Ohio. “Our focus will always be on the fleet,
Chamber of Commerce also attended the event. on the sailors at sea who keep the Navy afloat, and all
“We are so honored to have a relationship with Troop Support warfighters in harm’s way; on ensuring we do our part
and to be a part of this historic celebration,” Pam Henshall, president toward success in operations, from training to effective
of the Greater Northeast Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce said. combat engagements. We owe that to our warfighters.”
A consolidated history of DLA Troop Support’s role in federal Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. John M.
logistics support can be Richardson, USN, officiated the ceremony, which was
found on the DLA Troop attended by nearly 700 military and civilian personnel.
Support website. For an “There is no better person to take the helm than
overview of DLA’s history, Rear Adm. Michelle Skubic,” Richardson said. “You
see the DLA website. have the complete loyalty, trust and confidence of the
Navy. We could not be more proud.”
Yuen assumed command of NAVSUP and the posi-
Defense Logistics Agency Troop tion as 47th chief of Supply Corps in October 2013. He
Support Commander Army Brig.
Gen. Mark Simerly, left, and Ac- was the first Asian American to serve as commander,
quisition Executive William Kenny NAVSUP, and chief of Supply Corps.
cut Troop Support’s birthday “For five years Rear Adm. Yuen has led his team
cake in Philadelphia July 6. The
celebration marked 219 years to strengthen the readiness of the fleet, strengthen
of continuous logistics support the bonds of trust and confidence, and has spent his
to the nation starting with the every waking moment thinking about how to sup-
acquisition of land for the con-
struction of the Schuylkill Arsenal port our force so that we can defeat our adversaries,”
on July 6, 1799. (Photo by Ed Richardson said.
Maldonado, DLA)
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GOVERNMENT FOOD SERVICE • AUGUST 2018