NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa. –
Navy Rear Adm. Grafton D. Chase, Jr., relinquished command of Defense Logistics Agency Distribution to Navy Rear Adm. Michael A. York, during a change of command ceremony Friday, May 31. Army Lt. Gen. Mark Simerly, director, Defense Logistics Agency, officiated the ceremony.
“To the whole DLA Distribution team across the 24 global distribution centers and here at DLA Distribution headquarters, I am exceedingly proud of what you do on a daily basis to provide our Warfighters what they need when they need it, delivering readiness and lethality,” said Chase. “The deterrence that gives our adversaries pause to think, ‘Not Today.’”
During Chase’s tenure, DLA Distribution navigated the post-COVID era, continued the implementation of the warehouse management system and network optimization efforts, and implemented transformation efforts at the Eastern Distribution Center, all of which further enhanced DLA Distribution’s role as the DoD’s joint storage and distribution provider. The modernization efforts overseen by Chase during his tenure will advance DLA into an agile and resilient supply system as the nation navigates an era of contested logistics support.
Simerly thanked Chase for his service and leadership at DLA Distribution and welcomed York to the DLA team.
“Since taking command of DLA Distribution in June 2022, Rear Admiral Chase has proven to be an exceptional leader who epitomizes strong support to the Warfighter,” said Simerly. “Rear Admiral York, I know from your background and your sterling reputation that you will guide this organization with a steady hand and ensure our Warfighters get the support they need.”
York said he was looking forward to the opportunity to lead DLA Distribution through its next chapter.
“We play a vital role in ensuring the readiness and effectiveness of our nation's military forces, and I am committed to upholding the standard of excellence that is synonymous with our mission,” said York. “I am thrilled to be a part of this team.”
After the change of command, Chase held his retirement ceremony, marking the end of a 38-year Navy career, the last two as commander, DLA Distribution. In attendance were his wife, Karen, his children, grandchildren, dozens of former commanders, flag and general officers, family and friends.
“I think President John F. Kennedy summed up my 38 years in the Navy with is statement, ‘I can imagine a no more rewarding career. And any man who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worthwhile, I think can respond with a good deal of pride and satisfaction: I served in the United States Navy.’”
Navy Rear Adm. Kenneth W. Epps, commander, Naval Supply Systems Command, and 50th Chief of Supply Corps, officiated the retirement ceremony, sharing stories of shared experiences and thanking him for all he has done for the Navy and the Supply Corps. He presented Chase with a Defense Superior Service Medal and his certificate of retirement. Epps also presented Chase’s wife, Karen, and their three children with certificates of appreciation for their support of Chase during his career.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Chase and his family were piped ashore for the last time, officially marking the end of his Navy career.
About Rear Adm. York
York graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1996, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Ocean Engineering. He attended the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, from June 2006 to July 2008, earning a Master of Science Degree in Operations Research. York is also a graduate of the Darden School of Business, University of Virginia, and Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania Executive Education Programs.
Prior to this assignment, he served as director, Fleet Supply Readiness and Operations (N412) for U.S. Fleet Forces Command in Norfolk, Virginia.
York’s operational experience began with his assignment as supply officer, USS Thach (FFG 43) and, following a crew swap, as supply officer, USS Gary (FFG 51), with both ships being forward deployed in Yokosuka, Japan. He served as aviation support officer and assistant supply officer, USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) in Norfolk, Virginia. He later completed an individual augmentee assignment serving as future operations planner on the headquarters staff of the U.S. Central Command, Baghdad, Iraq. His last operational assignment was supply officer, USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75).
York’s shore assignments include officer in charge of laundry and dry-cleaning services, U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland; Navy acquisition contracting officer intern and aide to the commander, Naval Inventory Control Point (NAVICP), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; joint acquisition programs officer in the assessment division (OPNAV N81), Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, DC; strategic communications branch chief and speech writer, directorate for logistics (J4), Joint Chiefs of Staff, Washington, DC; supply operations team lead and executive assistant to the Commander, Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP), Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania; aviation operations director (N98) at NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support (WSS),Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and as commanding officer, Navy Supply Corps School (NSCS), Newport, Rhode Island.
He is qualified as both a Naval Aviation Supply Corps Officer and a Surface Warfare Supply Corps Officer, is a member of the Acquisition Professional Community, and is a Joint Qualified Officer. He is also a recipient of the Navy League’s Vice Admiral Robert F. Batchelder Award and was honored to be recognized along with his teammates as the Admiral Stan Arthur Logistics Team of the Year for 2004 while assigned to USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75).
His personal awards include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, and various unit awards, campaign medals and ribbons.