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News | Nov. 12, 2015

Future opportunities, strategic priorities focus of Navy/DLA Day

By Amanda Neumann

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.