When asked of his first impression of Navy Lt. James McPeake, DLA Distribution commander Army Brig Gen. Richard Dix described him as “very confidant, very sharp and can make things happen.”
McPeake, joint operational support officer with DLA Distribution’s Organizational Management directorate, was promoted to the rank of lieutenant commander in a ceremony on June 1. Dix was on-hand to assist in administering the oath to McPeake, who then had his new rank pinned on by his wife Kelley as daughters Peri and Lucy watched.
Born and raised in Nashville, Tenn., McPeake enlisted in the navy in September 2003, attending officer candidate school in Pensacola, Fla. He was commissioned as an ensign December 5, 2003.
He attended Navy Supply Corps Basic Qualification Course in Athens, Ga., and reported to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion SEVEN in Gulfport, Miss., as the assistant supply officer. McPeake later served with Naval Special Clearance Team ONE in San Diego, Calif.
Additionally, he completed a tour with U.S. Forces-Iraq at Camp Victory as a logistics planner for the Joint Plans and Integration Cell. Upon completion of his Individual Augmentation tour he reported as the “CHOP” to the USS MICHIGAN SSGN 727 BLUE, a submarine home ported in Bangor, Wash.
McPeake graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Kentucky. With a deep desire to further his career, he is currently enrolled in an MBA program through Liberty University. “There is still a lot more I plan to do in my professional life,” he said.
During the ceremony, he took a moment to thank the individuals who have supported him throughout his career, highlighting his gratefulness to his wife and family. McPeake also touched on his time here at DLA, saying “I have been so blessed to work with the team here at DLA Distribution.”