During an afternoon ceremony, Navy Lt J.G. Robert Randleman, operations officer of Defense Logistics Agency Distribution San Joaquin, California, was promoted to his new rank of Lt. in the company of his family, friends and co-workers.
San Joaquin Commander Marine Col. Tiffany Harris provided remarks and administered the Oath of Office to Randleman before promoting him to his new rank. Upon completion of the oath, Randleman’s wife, Whitney, replaced his shoulder boards to the rank of Lt.
Randleman was proud to share his promotion with his co-workers and his family who were not able in the past to witness this Navy tradition. He went on to thank his DLA family for what they do every day.
“It is interesting how the fleet does not know what DLA does for the big logistics game and I know as a submariner that we could not successfully do our mission out at sea if you are not working hard out here [distribution center],” said Randleman. “It’s an honor to be part of this team and see the mission for myself as a young officer and it’s going to go into my tool bag for me to bring back to the Navy.”
He concluded his remarks by giving special thanks to his parents and to his wife for her support.
“I had a good job in Santa Rosa and told my wife, ‘let’s go.’ Of course, it was not an immediate yes, but she has been an absolute blessing and trooper through all of this [navy career]. It’s not fair what we do to our spouses, but they serve right along side of us. They are the ones back home taking care of finances and family,” concluded Randleman.
Randleman graduated from Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park, California, with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, with a focus in accounting. While in school, he worked at U.S. Bank.
After college, he continued to work for U.S. Bank as a banker and was involved in a management development program. He was struggling to find fulfillment in a corporate career, and he had always desired to serve in the military. After speaking with his wife, he contacted a naval officer recruiter to speak about career opportunities.
After about a year of perseverance he was accepted to attend Officer Candidate School to be commissioned as a Navy supply officer. Randleman completed 12 weeks of Officer Candidate School and was commissioned as a Naval Officer Aug. 14, 2015. He is the first one in his immediate family to be a part of the military.
After completing all his division officer, department head and submarine officer training he reported to the USS NEW MEXICO (Virginia Class, Fast Attack Submarine) as the supply department head July 2016. He completed a European command deployment and a shipyard availability Period.
His personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.