RICHMOND, Va. –
In a landmark strategic transformation, the Defense Logistics Agency formally deactivated DLA Aviation during a July 23 ceremony on Defense Supply Center Richmond, Virginia.
The deactivation of this major subordinate command supports the establishment of DLA Weapons Support, which will integrate Aviation and DLA Land and Maritime, reinforcing the agency’s transformative efforts to optimize global logistics for the joint force.
DLA Director Army Lt. Gen. Mark Simerly officiated the ceremony which also served as a farewell to Aviation’s final commander, Air Force Brig. Gen. Patrick Launey, who relinquished command after a tenure marked by significant readiness improvements across the joint force.
Simerly emphasized that the deactivation of the two commands is not the final act but instead an extension of their legacies.
“Today is not an ending,” he said. “It is a continuation of a proud lineage, unified under a single mission ... warfighter readiness. This new command will build upon the powerful legacies of its predecessors to deliver enhanced readiness and lethality to the warfighters across the globe.”
“The global joint logistics environment we operate in today is more complex, more unpredictable and more technologically advanced, which demands unprecedented speed, precision and resilience across every domain,” Simerly continued. “This merger strengthens our ability to sustain weapon systems across the Joint Force and gives commanders a single, integrated partner. It gives industry a clearer demand signal, and it gives the warfighter a stronger, more agile logistics backbone.”
Simerly went on to honor Launey during the ceremony, praising him for his data-driven leadership, which produced tangible results for the customer.
Under Launey’s command, Aviation launched an aggressive campaign that slashed Mission Impaired Capability Awaiting Parts − instances where an aircraft is grounded waiting for a specific part − for the nation’s nuclear deterrent forces. These efforts cut MICAPs for the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile force by 36%, the B-52 Stratofortress fleet by 54%, and the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber fleet by 51%.
“His tenure was defined by a relentless drive for data-driven results and a laser focus on warfighter readiness,” Simerly said. “Patrick, you have guided this organization with steadiness, clarity and a vision anchored in readiness. Your strategic vision, collaborative approach and steady hand have significantly enhanced the operational effectiveness and posture of this agency when facing the challenges of tomorrow. Your commitment to your people, your mission and your customers has set the conditions for a seamless transition and a powerful future.”
In his final address as commander, Launey redirected the praise to his team, whom he called “the very engine of aviation readiness.” He went on to celebrate the workforce for their focus on the end-user, noting that despite the massive scale of the mission, “the true greatness of DLA Aviation is that you have never lost sight of the people behind those numbers. You have always seen the pilots, the maintainers and the warfighters on the front lines, and you have served them with a dedication that is unwavering.”
Echoing Simerly’s sentiments, Launey placed emphasis on the deactivation not being a finale, but a necessary and strategic evolution. “This ceremony is not an ending. It is a transformation,” he said. “We are not closing a book; we are beginning a new volume, combining the tremendous strengths, talents and cultures of both DLA Aviation and DLA Land and Maritime into one integrated, formidable team.”
Reflecting on his time in command, he called it “one of the most rewarding experiences of my career,” crediting the workforce for his growth as a leader. “I have learned more and grown more as a leader and as a person during my tenure here than at any other time, and that is a direct result of your professionalism, your ingenuity, and your incredible spirit,” Launey said.
As he closed, Launey left the workforce with a charge, acknowledging the gravity of their mission. “We serve in consequential times,” he said. “The challenges we face are complex, the threats are real, and the demand for what we do has never been greater. But I look at this team ... and I have no doubt that you are more than ready for any challenge that comes your way.”
The history of DLA Aviation is deeply rooted in Richmond. The installation began as the Richmond General Depot in 1942 and has evolved greatly over several decades. It formally became DLA Aviation in 2010, centralizing the supply chain for the nation’s military aircraft. Similarly, DLA Land and Maritime, designated in 2010, built upon a legacy of logistics excellence at Defense Supply Center Columbus, becoming the premier center for land- and sea-based systems.
The creation of DLA Weapons Support merges these two world-class organizations into a single Class IX enterprise. Class IX is the military designation for repair parts and components, the essential building blocks of any piece of military hardware. By unifying the supply chains for air-, land-, and sea-based weapon systems, DLA aims to eliminate redundancies, improve forecasting and provide a single point of contact for its customers.
Headquartered in Columbus, the new command will operate from its primary hubs in Ohio and Virginia, along with over 50 forward sites around the globe. This structure combines the deep expertise of the legacy workforces into the unified organization. DLA Land and Maritime will be formally deactivated and Navy Rear Adm. Julie Treanor will assume command of Weapons Support during a July 24 ceremony on Defense Supply Center Columbus.
For the DLA Weapons Support workforce, this unification represents a pivotal moment. The expertise in aviation parts in Richmond and land and maritime systems in Columbus is now combined, creating a more holistic and powerful knowledge base. This integration allows employees to support a wider range of weapon systems and provides a clearer picture of the defense supply chain as a whole, reinforcing the direct link between their daily work and the readiness of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine.
“To the entire Weapons Support team, you drive the nation’s Arsenal of Freedom forward,” Simerly said. “Your professionalism, your innovation and your unwavering ‘Warfighter Always’ culture have been the engine behind this command’s success.”
By creating DLA Weapons Support, the agency is fundamentally adjusting its internal posture to better face external challenges. Consolidating into a single command “Sets the Agency” for the demands of contested logistics, where supply lines may be challenged or disrupted. It creates a more resilient and responsive structure capable of anticipating and meeting warfighter needs with greater efficiency. This improved posture ensures that DLA is not just reacting to demands but is strategically positioned to sustain the joint force in any environment, fulfilling its promise to deliver readiness and lethality across the globe.
Ultimately, the activation of DLA Weapons Support is a promise to the warfighter. In an era where the speed of warfare is constantly accelerating, the speed of logistics must keep pace. By unifying its weapon systems support, DLA is ensuring that the men and women on the front lines have a stronger, faster, and more reliable partner in the Defense Logistics Agency.