NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa. –
Brad Bunn, vice director, Defense Logistics Agency, visited DLA Distribution headquarters for an update on current efforts, a tour of the Eastern Distribution Center and to recognize employees March 4.
During his visit, Bunn received an update on the command’s progress with modernization initiatives, network optimization and supply chain strategies, contested logistics, Warehouse Management System implementation, and efforts supporting the Annual Operating Plan and DLA Strategic Plan.
“What you do here plays a crucial role in supporting the warfighter,” said Bunn. “I appreciate all the work that is being done to ensure that we continue to transform as an agency while remaining focused on our core mission.”
Navy Rear Adm. Michael York, commanding officer, DLA Distribution, and Perry Knight, deputy commander, DLA Distribution, led a series of discussions throughout the day, starting with a command update provided by DLA Distribution directors and subject matter experts. The briefing focused on areas of opportunity for continued Distribution Network Transformation, underscored by an update on an integrated supply chain strategy aligned with network optimization and a Warehouse Execution System that is fully integrated with WMS.
"Our modernization efforts represent a comprehensive transformation of our supply chain ecosystem and is the result of hard work by our team,” York said. “By integrating our strategy, technology and infrastructure, we are enabling a more responsive, efficient and resilient network. Our efforts to invest in our people through enhanced training ensure long-term operational excellence and empowers our workforce to thrive in an ever-changing environment."
Following the briefing, Bunn toured the 1.7 million square foot Eastern Distribution Center, where he was updated on the command’s modernization efforts as they prepare to implement WMS later this year. The DLA Distribution Susquehanna, Pennsylvania team provided updates on the automated receiving system, buffer and sorter, brand new workstations and autonomous ground vehicles.
As part of the visit, Bunn also took part in a dedication of the DLA Distribution headquarters “Dar’s Café,” named in memory of Darlene Ferrante, a DLA Hall of Fame Class of 2024 inductee who spent almost half of her 38-year federal career as DLA Human Resources customer account manager for DLA Distribution Susquehanna, Pennsylvania, until she passed in April 2020.
Before departing, Bunn presented coins to five DLA employees and toured the headquarters building, meeting with DLA employees.
Those recognized were:
- Brad Bellis and Wayne Steiner for their strong collaboration and use of QLIK, they enabled DLA Distribution to further analyze and refine how the organization will measure performance in WMS throughout the network.
- Annie Firth for her performance as the DLA Human Resources customer account manager for DLA Distribution in clearly articulating the impact of new policies and Executive Orders for the workforce, empowering leadership to make informed decisions.
- Dave Gilson for temporarily stepping into a critical supervisor position for the DLA Distribution West Team and training a new contract specialist on the administration of one of our largest government-owned, contract-operated distribution centers and assisting team members with making complex best-value trade off source selections.
- Dustin Gilfoil for serving as the lead for planning and execution for future operations at DLA Distribution Bahrain
The visit to DLA Distribution headquarters highlighted the team’s continued commitment to modernization, network optimization, and delivering on strategic objectives. As the command moves forward, York said the efforts will ensure the command remains at the forefront of logistics support, meeting the needs of the Defense Department and enabling national defense readiness.
“Our work is never done,” York said. “We must keep evolving, learning and adapting to ensure that DLA Distribution will continue to provide the world-class logistics support that our warfighters rely on.”