NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa. –
In recognition of the U.S. Navy’s 250th birthday Oct. 13, Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Susquehanna, Pennsylvania, hosted a traditional cake cutting ceremony Oct. 8.
Navy Capt. Andy Henwood, commander, DLA Distribution Susquehanna, presided over the event and contextualized DLA Distribution Susquehanna’s mission within the scope of the Navy’s 250-year legacy.
“For two and a half centuries, the U.S. Navy has stood the watch, projecting power, preserving peace, defending freedom and securing the sea lanes on which the modern world depends,” Henwood said. “But behind every deployment, every carrier strike group, every successful mission, there has always been a group of professionals that ensure the warfighter has exactly what they need, precisely when they need it.”
More than 50 DLA Distribution Susquehanna employees gathered to commemorate the birthday.
“Today, as we reflect on our Navy’s long and proud history, we see that the Navy’s legacy isn’t just written in the battles we’ve fought, it’s written in the global logistics that have made those victories possible,” Henwood said. “Mission execution hangs on precision, and no agency does it better than us. From fuel to pharmaceuticals, spare parts to food rations, we manage millions of line items across every domain of warfare in every region of the world.”
The ceremony also included the reading of the Navy ethos by Tonya Remick and a bell ringing ceremony performed by Navy Lt. Cmdr. Jacob Skipper and Navy Lt. j.g. Geoffrey Wilds.
The ceremony concluded with the ceremonial cake cutting. In accordance with tradition, the oldest sailor present, Robert Lagore, and the youngest sailor present, Navy Lt. Clinton Tonini, joined Henwood and James Hooper, deputy commander, DLA Distribution Susquehanna, to cut the cake.
Following the cake cutting, employees gathered to celebrate and honor the Navy’s birthday by enjoying a slice of cake.
“Together, we are building the logistics enterprise that will be ready for the next 250 years.” Henwood said. “What you do here matters. We’re critical partners to the success of our naval forces.”
Editors note: the publishing of this article was delayed during the lapse in appropriations.