NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa. –
Defense Logistics Agency Distribution leadership provided an update on the 2025 DLA Distribution Annual Operating Plan, discussed modernization initiatives and shared potential applications for artificial intelligence during a virtual briefing with DLA Director Army Lt. Gen. Mark Simerly, May 16.
During the engagement, Simerly gathered leaders at the agency’s Headquarters at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, to meet with DLA Distribution leadership, directors and Subject Matter Experts via video teleconference to discuss performance, ongoing initiatives and the command's alignment with the DLA Strategic Plan.
Navy Rear Adm. Michael York, commander, DLA Distribution, said the two-hour discussion was a vital checkpoint for him and the team. Topics covered during the mid-year assessment included updates on the implementation of the new Warehouse Management System, advancements in auditability efforts, potential uses for artificial intelligence and strategies for optimizing the distribution network to enhance efficiency and responsiveness.
Simerly praised the team for their efforts, comprehensive update, and emphasized the critical need for DLA Distribution to remain agile and adaptive in supporting the warfighter, particularly in the context of contested logistics.
“It’s important that we deliberately assess all of our strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities as we plan for the future,” Simerly said. “You have a remarkable team here who continues to excel throughout this transformative era for DLA.”
The engagement provided a forum for DLA Distribution leadership to showcase the organization’s achievements in the first half of the fiscal year and address any challenges encountered. York and his team presented data on key performance indicators and outlined adjustments to their plan to ensure objectives remain on track.
Simerly applauded the dedication and professionalism of the DLA Distribution workforce, recognizing their essential contributions to the wider DLA mission. He reiterated his focus on the "people" aspect of the DLA Strategic Plan, emphasizing the importance of talent management and continuing to support the strong culture within DLA Distribution.
“We are in a time period that has a lot of churn and uncertainty,” Simerly said. “However, what will never change is the importance of our mission and our dedication to taking care of people.”