Richmond, Va. –
Graybeards is a term of endearment towards retired U.S. Navy officers who have essential experience from their time in service. Retired Vice Adm. Michael Malone and retired Rear Adm. Michael Finley, graybeards, toured Defense Logistics Agency Aviation at Defense Supply Center Richmond, Virginia, and learned about the DLA Aviation perspective.
“It was welcoming to have the graybeards here [to show them our role] in DLA,” said Navy Capt. Mark Harris, Chief, Navy Customer Facing Division, Customer Operations Directorate, DLA Aviation. “Because the graybeards took the time to come and see DLA, it’s a justification of what role we play in naval aviation.”
DLA Aviation Deputy Commander Charlie Lilli and DLA Aviation Chief of Staff Steve Kinskie, along with Harris and Navy Cmdr. Eric Lockett, Operations Officer Navy Customer Facing Division, Customer Operations Directorate, DLA Aviation briefed the graybeards about DLA Aviation’s logistical support of the Boeing F/A-18E and F/A-18F Super Hornet, twin-engine, carrier-capable, multirole, fighter aircraft variants based on the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet.
“Both of those gentleman have specific insights and wisdom in how they used to run the [Naval Aviation Enterprise] and they can look and see how we are running the NAE and offer their perspectives and judgments,” said Harris.