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News | Sept. 28, 2017

DLA Distribution senior leaders visit DSCC

By Craig M. Rader DLA Land and Maritime Public Affairs

Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Commander Army Brig. Gen. John Laskodi and members of his command staff toured the Defense Supply Center Columbus during a Sept. 26 operational assessment.

The primary purpose of the visit was site familiarization while strengthening communication and engagement between DLA’s Major Subordinate Commands (MSCs). The trip included briefings from DLA Land and Maritime leaders and a visit to a distribution center followed by a tour of the installation’s Product Test Center.

Laskodi, who took command of DLA Distribution in June 2016, said he wants to visit every distribution center within the agency before he completes his tour of duty.

“This is a great opportunity for us to come together with the Land and Maritime leadership today. We each bring unique perspectives to our mission – but we share the same goal,” Laskodi said. “We’re all committed to delivering the best capabilities to the Warfighter.”

After a 2010 study by the U.S. Department of Commerce determined elements of the military supply chain were being directly impacted by counterfeit electronics, DLA began enforcing stricter testing protocols and quality control measures.

Since DLA procures and supplies microcircuits for a broad range of applications within weapons systems and support equipment, agency leaders determined an internal DNA marking facility was necessary to meet the strategic vision to “deliver the right solution on time, every time.”

The Product Test Center at DSCC established its DNA Identification and Marking Center in late 2014 and has marked more than one million microcircuits that support various military applications.

Laskodi said the tour of the DNA marking lab was a highlight of the visit.

“The facility in Columbus gives us a centralized location for receiving, marking, storing and issuing material,” said Brad Bellis, deputy director of business operations for DLA Distribution.

During a joint briefing between DLA Distribution and Land and Maritime key staff, the directors laid out their collaborative goals and addressed potential obstacles facing the agency. 

“I really appreciate the work that everyone contributed into making this event a success,” said DLA Land and Maritime Commander Navy Rear Adm. Michelle Skubic. “Our two MSC’s work together every day and it’s important for us to get together face-to-face like this to strengthen our relationships and improve our communication.”

DLA Distribution has a global footprint that includes locations in 20 states and eight countries. The distribution center at DSCC opened in December 2014.