NEW CUMBERLAND, Pennsylvania –
As an 18-year-old Ohio native, David M. Wright decided to become a nuclear electrician and serve on submarines, standing the watch in the silent service. Nearly 28 years later, on Aug. 27, Navy Supply Corps Lt. Cmdr. Wright stood in front of family and coworkers to be honored for his service and to be recognized by Army Col Corey A. New, the DLA Distribution Susquehanna, Pa., commander.
“It takes a very special person to serve in the silent service, but David answered the call and excelled,” New remarked, while speaking of Wright’s accomplishments. He recognized Wright with the Defense Meritorious Service Medal for his service at DLA Distribution Susquehanna as a logistics supply officer since March of 2014. Wright was then presented with a certificate of retirement from the United States Navy, as well as a U.S. flag.
Wright spent more than 12 years as an enlisted sailor, making it to the rating of Petty Officer 1st Class with seven patrol pins. His first shore duty was in nuclear electrical work at the Trident refit facility at Kings Bay, Ga. His first sea tour was on the highly-decorated nuclear submarine USS Baton Rouge, where he earned his dolphins submarine qualification badge. He was also assigned to the crews of the USS Maine and Tennessee, both ballistic missile submarines. During that time, Wright completed a bachelor’s degree in electronic engineering technology with a minor in mathematics. Most recently, he completed a master’s degree in business administration.
Wright served more than 15 years as an officer, having been selected to attend Naval Officer Candidate School and then completing the Naval Supply Officer Program. He was the supply officer aboard the ballistic missile carrier USS Wyoming, the principle assistant for logistics aboard the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis, and part of a joint crew as the supply officer for the USS Ponce, which is a floating base for military operations or humanitarian disasters. He served on shore as the Aviation Support Division officer at Naval Air Station in Fallon, Nev., sustainment officer at Fleet Industrial Supply Center in Bangor, Wash., and supply officer at Weapons System Support in Mechanicsburg, Pa.
A member of the acquisition professional community, Wright has earned his supply warfare qualification in submarine, aviation, and surface warfare. “Usually a person will be qualified in one or two different crafts, but three is rare and unusual. This is a great achievement and it shows in the quality, content, and drive of this man,” said New.
Coming from serving 12 months onboard the USS Ponce out of Bahrain, Wright was placed as a manager in the mission receiving operations at DLA Distribution Susquehanna, where his background in supply management enabled him to successfully fill a key position.
“I’ve had many ship and shore tours, but this final tour with DLA was one of the most educational and diverse,” said Wright, reflecting how managing operations and systems within the Eastern Distribution Center prepared him for civilian life. The 1.7 million square foot distribution processing facility seemed to have a “life of its own,” and taught him to adjust and retool. “I will survive the transition from the routine of the Navy to life as a civilian,” he said, “But, I will always long to wear the uniform again.”
He also recognized his wife Melissa for manning the home front for many years. She is an employee of the DLA Distribution headquarters command staff.
Wright’s retirement ceremony also included
The Watch, a symbolic Navy tradition. As he transitioned to civilian life, he was assured that “Shipmate, the watch stands relieved – We have the watch.”