“It can be done!” Those four words sum up Navy Rear Adm. David Baucom’s message as he assumed command of Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support July 13.
Onlookers lined the walls and filled seats as senior leaders of DLA, former commanders of DLA Troop Support and its legacy organizations, and employees from agencies located on the Naval Supply Activity’s compound welcomed the new commander.
In his remarks to the audience, Baucom explained he adopted his mantra from a placard President Ronald Reagan kept on his desk during his eight-year administration.
An organization is considered successful by its defining spirit, people, culture, character and reputation, Baucom told the crowd.
“Now that’s the reputation of DLA Troop Support,” Baucom stated. “[It’s] a well-deserved reputation of being there when our service members need us and a strong culture that embodies that ‘can do’ attitude. It can be done.”
No stranger to DLA Troop Support, Baucom reminisced on his association as a customer with the organization.
“I was consistently impressed with the responsiveness and professionalism,” he told the audience. “From my experience, I know DLA Troop Support is a high-performing, customer-focused, global enterprise that is well postured to provide even greater support to our military services and to our nation’s warfighters. It is truly an honor to become commander of DLA Troop Support.”
Looking toward the future, Baucom said he understands the need to be responsible stewards of taxpayers’ money while maintaining superior support to customers.
“We will strive to be even more effective and efficient in delivering a wide array of logistics,” he said. “We are one DLA. Troop Support will remain perfectly aligned with our headquarters. Our values are the foundation of everything we do.”
To the DLA Troop Support team, Baucom expressed his desire to take DLA Troop Support to the next level. He indicated pride in the team’s accomplishments thus far and said he looks forward to reaching future goals.
As presiding officer of the ceremony, Navy Vice Adm. Alan S. Thompson, DLA director, lauded Baucom for his myriad accomplishments and experiences that make him a qualified candidate to lead the $14 billion organization.
“I have known Dave Baucom for a number of years and am absolutely confident that the Navy has sent us the very best,” Thompson said.
With a wealth of experience in acquisition and logistics, both ashore and afloat, Baucom definitely has the ability to take charge of this dynamic organization, Thompson said.
“When I look at the major challenge that is to lead DLA Troop Support, I can think of no one better qualified than Admiral Baucom,” he added. “He is truly an extraordinary leader who is focused on the mission and measuring outcomes. You are very fortunate to have him on your team.”
As a high-pitched whistle sounded, Baucom and Thompson entered and exited the ceremony through what the Navy calls side boys, a group of sailors who honor a flag officers’ presence. This is a time-honored tradition that signifies welcoming distinguished visitors aboard a ship.
Baucom has held a variety of leadership positions. He served in the officer capacity aboard three ships, the USS Edward McDonnell, the USS Theodore Roosevelt and the USS Ronald Reagan. His most recent assignment prior to joining DLA was serving as the deputy assistant secretary of the Navy (acquisition and logistics management).
DLA Troop Support supplies America’s armed forces with $14 billion annually of food, uniforms, protective equipment, medicine and medical supplies, and construction supplies and equipment. Its history, rooted in Philadelphia, began in 1800 with the construction of the Schuylkill Arsenal before the Civil War.