NEW CUMBERLAND, Pennsylvania –
Defense Logistics Agency Distribution employees and leadership gathered to wish a collective “Happy Birthday” to the Navy Oct. 13, in honor of the service’s 240th anniversary.
Opening the celebration, DLA Distribution commander Army Brig. Gen. Richard Dix reminisced on the evolution of America’s third oldest service, specifically noting its submarine component, and its critical support to the nation’s defense.
“When the Navy was established in 1775, it started as only a few ships and a couple of outriggers. It has now grown into the largest and most powerful Navy in the world, and maintains a powerful fighting component: the submarine force,” said Dix.
“For 112 years, the Navy’s submarine force has silently defended our nation under the seas,” he continued. “Within the submarine force, there are 53 attack, 14 ballistic missile and four guided missile submarines that enable the Navy to defeat terrorists and ease disasters.”
He then recognized Navy Lt. Cmdr. James McPeake, joint operational support officer with DLA Distribution’s Organizational Management directorate, for his service and his involvement with the service’s submarine forces. After quizzing McPeake on key statistics of the Navy’s submarine forces, Dix presented McPeake with a certificate of appreciation.
In closing, Dix thanked all of the organization’s active, reserve and retired Navy sailors, saying “On behalf of the Army, I thank you for your service.”