DLA Distribution News - Category Distribution

Graphic illustration with a dark blue background and yellow lettering. Text reads: Near-Miss Reporting: A Range of Benefits. Mishap prevention: By addressing the root causes of near-misses, we can proactively mitigate risks and prevent future accidents.
Increased employee engagement: Involving employees in the safety process fosters a sense of ownership and shared responsibility for creating a safe work environment.
Improved operational efficiency: A safer workplace is a more productive one with fewer interruptions and delays caused by accidents.
Regulatory compliance and cost savings: Proactively identifying and correcting hazards helps regulatory compliance and reduced costs associated with accidents. See it. Report it. Fix it.

June 10, 2026

See it, report it, fix it: Why near-miss reporting drives mission success

NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa. — Every day, across our global network of Distribution Centers, Defense Logistics Agency Distribution executes a mission critical to the readiness and lethality of the American warfighter. Whether you are operating Material Handling Equipment, palletizing materiel or processing shipments, your work directly supports our national defense. It is a mission that accepts no substitute for excellence, and excellence begins with safety.

June 9, 2026

Agile logistics in action: DLA Distribution Yokosuka delivers time-sensitive solution in support of Navy operations

YOKOSUKA, Japan — Demonstrating the agility, expertise and operational readiness required in today’s contested logistics environment, Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Yokosuka, Japan, recently spearheaded a critical joint logistics enterprise effort supporting current operations through the rapid execution of a non-traditional cargo movement involving hundreds of pallets of high-priority Navy Transportation Priority 2 requirements.

Two men wearing camouflage military uniforms stand on stage passing a guidon.

June 8, 2026

Leadership of large-scale mission set changes hands

NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa. — Army Lt. Col. Brandon S. Ebel relinquished command of Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Anniston, Alabama, to Army Lt. Col. Nick Taylor at a ceremony presided over by Army Brig. Gen. Kevin L. Cotman, commanding general, DLA Distribution, June 6. The event also served as a retirement ceremony for Ebel, acknowledging and honoring his 24 years of service in the U.S. Army.

A group of people stand outside in front of a large building posing for a group photo.

June 8, 2026

DLA honors newest PACE graduates in hybrid ceremony

NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa. — Defense Logistics Agency Human Resources conducted a hybrid graduation ceremony to recognize graduates of the Pathways to Career Excellence program at Defense Supply Center Columbus, Ohio, and Defense Distribution Center, Susquehanna, Pennsylvania, June 1.

A group of people stand in front of a ribbon suspended between two fork lifts inside a large warehouse, one is wearing a dress military uniform.

June 2, 2026

DLA Distribution Europe facility increases operational capability

NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa. — Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Europe held a ribbon cutting with local elected officials to recognize the soft-opening of the Logistics Distribution Center Europe Annex in Germersheim, Germany, May 27.

May 29, 2026

New hands on the helm of critical distribution center

NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa. — The mantle of command changed hands at Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Sigonella, Italy, on May 29 as Navy Cmdr. Renae Renken relinquished command to Navy Cmdr. Aaron Smith at a ceremony presided over by Brig. Gen. Kevin L. Cotman, commanding general, DLA Distribution.

Two people holding awards at a ceremony.

May 19, 2026

DLA Distribution personnel earn national recognition for logistics excellence

NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa. — Two employees and one Defense Logistics Agency Distribution team received 2026 awards from the National Institute of Packaging, Handling, and Logistics Engineers for their contributions to the logistics field at a banquet during the NIPHLE National Training Event in Oak Ridge, New Jersey, May 6.

People putting together ration kits in a warehouse.

May 18, 2026

DLA Distribution San Joaquin’s Unitized Group Rations keep warfighters fed

TRACY, Calif — Since 1985, Defense Logistics Agency Distribution San Joaquin’s UGR mission has been assembling, packing and shipping various types of rations kits. Known originally as Unitized Tray Rations, the facility has operated based on the meal kits needed according to the operational and exercise schedule of the military services.

May 4, 2026

DLA Distribution leadership discusses organizational health, transformation

NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa. — Army Brig. Gen. Kevin Cotman, commanding general, Defense Logistics Agency Distribution, and Joe Faris, acting deputy commander, discussed the results from the command’s 2025 Defense Organizational Climate Survey during a town hall meeting in New Cumberland, April 29.

A group photo of military and civilians in front of a building.

May 1, 2026

Operational Synergy: DLA Distribution Commander’s Annual Site Visit to San Diego

NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa. — Army Brig. Gen. Kevin Cotman, commanding general, Defense Logistics Agency Distribution, and Joe Faris, acting deputy commander, DLA Distribution, recently visited the team at DLA Distribution San Diego, California, reviewing critical logistics operations, engaging directly with personnel, and discussing strategic facility infrastructure to ensure continued mission excellence.

John Race, left, receives a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certificate of Achievement from his supervisor, Keith R. Smoly, Defense Logistics Agency information Operations regional director, in Sigonella, Italy, April 30, 2026. Race led a continuous process improvement project for DLA Distribution that successfully streamlined a recurring weekly task. The initiative utilized long-distance coaching from DLA Troop Support to create a standardized, efficient workflow that can be adopted across the enterprise.

April 30, 2026

Coaching across continents: How DLA Troop Support mentorship conquered a six-hour time difference

PHILADELPHIA — A global Continuous Process Improvement project undertaken by Defense Logistics Agency Information Technology & DLA Distribution has proven that a dedicated model for building a resilient workforce can transcend any boundary, thanks to a first-of-its-kind mentorship collaboration with experts from DLA Troop Support.

A man wearing a camouflage military uniform sits indoors at a conference room table with flags behind him speaking to a group of people also seated at the table.

April 20, 2026

DLA Distribution hosts DLA director for Annual Operating Plan review

NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa. — Defense Logistics Agency Distribution leadership hosted Army Lt. Gen. Mark Simerly, director, DLA, for an update on the 2026 DLA Distribution Annual Operating Plan progress and discussions on Warehouse Management System sustainment and modernization priorities at DLA Distribution headquarters in New Cumberland, April 14.

Five people stand inside in front of flags posing for a photo.

April 3, 2026

DLA Distribution Europe makes headway on MRE transport challenges

NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa. — Army Lt. Col. Michael Zdrojesky, commander, Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Europe, attended the joint meeting of the RID/ADR/ADN Committee of Experts and the Working Party on the Transport of Dangerous Goods in Bern, Switzerland, March 25-26 to find a solution for regulatory challenges hampering the shipment of Meals, Ready-to-Eat, or MREs, in Europe.

A man wearing a camouflage military uniform stands inside a large warehouse speaking to a man and woman.

March 10, 2026

Warehouse Management System implemented at DLA Distribution Warner-Robins

NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa. — Defense Logistics Agency Distribution officially implemented the Warehouse Management System at DLA Distribution Warner Robins, Georgia, Feb. 17, marking a significant milestone in their modernization efforts.

A group of nine people, one wearing a camouflage military uniform, pose for a group photo indoors in a conference room.

March 6, 2026

DLA Distribution Anniston partners with local university to cultivate future talent

NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa. — Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Anniston, Alabama, and Jacksonville State University, located in Jacksonville, Alabama, have launched a series of collaborative initiatives aimed at enhancing operational readiness and creating a future talent pipeline.