SAN JOAQUIN, Ca. –
Army Col. James M. Callis II, Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Susquehanna, Pennsylvania, Commander, visited DLA Distribution’s western strategic distribution platform Feb. 12. Callis took the opportunity to meet with DLA Distribution San Joaquin, California’s senior leadership to discuss command operations and tour the distribution center facilities.
Callis’ day started with in-depth discussions with San Joaquin’s Commander Marine Col. Tiffany Harris and key leaders. Topics of discussion included inventory accuracy improvement initiatives and the battle rhythm/events to support implementation/assessment; DLA Distribution Expeditionary team hiring efforts and voice pick implementation at San Joaquin. These discussions were key for Callis and Harris to engage in since they are counterparts in their strategic distribution platforms.
DLA Distribution Commanding Officer Navy Rear Adm. Kevin Jones understands the relevance of these visits, recently commenting that cross talk between all the commands is important to sharing information and lessons learned.
During the walking tour, Callis had the opportunity to engage with the San Joaquin workforce throughout the mission areas. First, he toured Small Parcel Receiving, Mechanized Storage, Foreign Military Sales and Mechanized Packing operations (Bin Division). The Bin Division serves as the primary hub of receipt, storage, issue and packing activities in preparation for shipment within DLA Distribution San Joaquin.
The next stop was the Freight Terminal. This is where the Dedicated Truck Program serves continental United States customers and features both customized and predictable delivery schedules, reduced transit times and items packed to suit the warfighter while lowering operational costs.
Next, he toured the Consolidation and Containerization Point where he was able to see firsthand the newly designed area. Upon conclusion of the Consolidation and Containerization Point, Callis toured the Unitized Group Rations Area. San Joaquin is the sole Defense Department provider of Unitized Group Rations-Heat & Serve and M-Rations which provide subsistence to our warfighters.