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News | Oct. 31, 2016

DLA Aviation naval representative named NAE award winner

By Naval Aviation Enterprise Public Affairs

Naval Aviation Enterprise leadership named Navy Capt. Mark Harris a winner of the Outstanding Performance Award during a NAE Air Board video teleconference Oct. 17.

Harris was recognized for his work as the Defense Logistics Agency Aviation Navy Customer Facing Division chief. In his role, he supervised three DLA aviation industrial support activity commands that support depot maintenance, aviation supply and logistics customer support to ten aircraft carriers, as well as aviation supply and support to the type wing commands for 15 type/model/series aircraft and engines.

Harris' efforts directly impacted readiness across the fleet and contributed to mission success within the NAE, according to a letter of appreciation signed by Vice Adm. Mike Shoemaker, commander, Naval Air Forces.

"Spearheading improved processes and analysis within the DLA Aviation Team, the net effect was a 36 percent reduction in aircraft components awaiting parts -- leading all Navy Industrial Support Activities!" Shoemaker said. "By virtue of your position and your unrivaled focus on teamwork, you supported every Navy and Marine Corps TMS Program Office. The collaboration proactively resolved readiness degraders and contributed to seamless cooperation within every TMS Team."

Harris said he was both honored and surprised to receive the award.

"It is a great feeling to be recognized for doing what I feel is so important to supporting our military commitments and strategy," Harris said. "I really enjoy what I do as part of the NAE, and do my best in improving readiness for our warfighters."

Reflecting on the contributions he and his team have made to the NAE mission, Harris said he is proud of DLA and DLA Aviation's growing roles within the enterprise.

"I'm most proud of how we positioned DLA and DLA Aviation as a solution provider over the last year," Harris said. "We are the largest integrator of supply support for the flight line and depots, and my teams are embedded at all levels across the Naval Aviation Enterprise. We have made strides in reducing backorders at the flight line and depots, and we will continue to drive improvements to ensure our parts are there when needed."

The NAE Air Board, composed of leaders partnering to pursue the best interests of naval aviation, recognizes typically one Sailor, Marine, or civilian employee each month for his or her outstanding enterprise-centric contributions to naval aviation. Award winners serve as positive examples of the enterprise approach at work. They routinely illustrate a commitment to the NAE principles of process improvement, a willingness to challenge assumptions, a focus on effectiveness and efficiency, and a commitment to the greater good of naval aviation.

Naval aviation leaders have distributed the monthly NAE Outstanding Performance Award since 2008 to promote a culture of readiness at best possible cost.


Editor's note: The original story can be viewed on the Navy's website.