NEW CUMBERLAND, Pennsylvania –
On Apr. 5, DLA Land and Maritime senior leadership met with DLA Distribution commander Army Brig. Gen. John Laskodi and key staff members to discuss the duo’s partnership and ways to create efficiencies benefitting the DLA enterprise.
Commander Navy Rear Adm. Michelle Skubic and deputy commander Jim McClaugherty, Senior Executive Service, joined Laskodi at DLA Distribution headquarters where he opened the discussion stating, "Our relationship is an important one and we'd like to tell you a little more about who we are, what we do and then talk about some of the things we work together on."
During the roundtable discussion, the group collaboratively considered a number of areas in which both organizations could sustain and improve their collaboration to best support the enterprise’s Army, Navy, and Marine customers.
A large part of the conversation included DLA Distribution’s in progress Campaign Plan, which essentially outlines where DLA Distribution plans to focus its efforts over the next 13 years in order to support the future requirements of the warfighter based on the future joint operating and logistics environment. Specifically, the plan lays out the need for updated technologies within the Distribution system.
Laskodi stressed during the visit that a big requirement for Distribution is defining what technology system requirements and tools are needed to automate current metrics reporting processes and implementing that technology throughout the enterprise.
Skubic agreed saying "Standardization will build the efficiencies. An IT system replacement will help get us to standardized metrics, leading to better support and better outcomes."
The group also discussed changes in where/how the two organizations are physically doing business and how the network is expanding, particularly through Navy Warehouse Transfer. NWT was a 2015 initiative that resulted in the “As Is Where Is” transfer of several Navy-owned distribution sites to DLA Distribution to create process improvements and improved asset visibility of stock in storage for customers.
"We see our footprint growing. We're looking at smaller, customized locations to support our service customers," said Laskodi.
Another major topic of discussion was DLA Distribution’s 25th distribution center, DLA Distribution Expeditionary, a modular, scalable, deployable unit used to support military contingencies and disaster relief efforts. Skubic suggested the organization consider looking at Navy ships as an option for executing deployments, regardless of the service or organization the unit is supporting.
In closing, to honor McClaugherty’s upcoming retirement, Laskodi publicly thanked the deputy for his years of service and support, presenting him with a memento of appreciation. “Your departure will leave a tremendous expertise and leadership gap that won't be easily filled, but we wish you and your family all the best.”