Fort Belvoir, Virginia –
Partnership opportunities, innovation strategies and other
topics of mutual interest were key points discussed by both Defense Logistics
Agency and Navy supply leaders during the Nov. 2 annual Navy/DLA Day at the
McNamara Headquarters Complex.
DLA Director Air Force Lt. Gen. Andy Busch co-hosted this
year’s event with Navy Vice Adm. Philip Cullom, deputy chief of naval
operations for fleet readiness and logistics, and Navy Rear Adm. Jonathan Yuen,
commander of Naval Supply Systems Command.
In his opening remarks, Busch gave an overview of the five
goals of DLA’s
Strategic Plan for 2015-2022: warfighter first, people and culture,
strategic engagement, financial stewardship and process excellence.
When it comes to supporting warfighters, Busch said DLA is
interested in collaborating with the combatant commanders and the military
services to forecast and help mitigate issues of discussion or disagreement.
“We’re very much looking to do what you want,” Busch said.
“We are a combat support agency, and that is our mission: to provide support. Not
to foster, encourage or sustain disagreements; we want to come to a solution
with you on any and all of these problems.”
DLA is improving support by moving toward performance-based
logistics, a move strongly encouraged by Frank Kendall, under secretary of
defense for acquisition, technology and logistics, Busch said.
“I’m looking for willing partners in the services … so that we
can determine if there’s an operational outcome that we can agree upon and work
together … to even further develop the PBL vision that Mr. Kendall has asked us
to pursue,” he said.
Busch also thanked the Navy for its support during DLA’s
audit readiness efforts, noting that many of the changes the military services made
were done in advance of their own audit readiness schedules.
“We stand ready to help you with your audit readiness
preparation, just as you have helped us get to the point we’re at,” he said.
Cullom noted that meetings like these are beneficial to both
the Navy and DLA and can help set a good understanding between both parties
during later discussions.
“The interaction that we end up having around the table here
is very crucial in understanding … the changes that you’re undergoing, and at
the same time, for us to be able to show you all what changes we’re going
through and what constraints and pressure that we’re under,” Cullom said.
Most importantly, when the Navy and DLA works together, it
builds integrity, trust and confidence, Yuen said.
“That’s what Navy/DLA Day is all about. It’s getting to
understand each other’s points of view, understand our priorities and where
we’re going,” he said.
During the four-hour roundtable discussion, attendees heard
from Navy representatives as well as DLA Logistics Operations, DLA Energy and
DLA Distribution. Topics included overviews on cyber awareness, additive
manufacturing and future innovation opportunities involving both the Navy and
DLA.