NORFOLK, Virginia –
Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Norfolk, Va., recently opened its streets to support Naval Station Norfolk’s “Run with the Chiefs” event. This year’s 5k run had more than 1,000 participants, and was a celebration of past and present chief petty officers and selectees.
DLA Distribution Norfolk supported the event by opening their compound for the runners to travel straight down Gilbert Street.
"The chief petty officer is truly the backbone of the Navy, and being selected to serve as a chief is a career milestone every enlisted member strives for,” said Navy Capt. Harry Thetford, commander of DLA Distribution Norfolk. “The ‘Run with the Chiefs’ is a huge event for the base, and an important step toward the ceremony where the newly selected chiefs are pinned with the symbolic anchors."
As the street closure would affect all in-bound and out-bound trucks and shipments to and from Building W-143, security began coordination with the tenants of W-143 to ensure their awareness and support of the event. With four large commands in addition to DLA located in W-143, it was important that all commands were aware of the impact on shipments and deliveries, construction, and contractor movement during the hours the compound would be closed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic. “All commands were very supportive and several offered their assistance in the form of materials and/or personnel,” said Thetford.
Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center Navy Food Management Team Norfolk provided four additional personnel to assist with securing the route through the compound. MSC Security was present and provided additional cones for marking off areas, and a representative from NAVSUP FLC Security was on hand. “We were very appreciative for the assistance we received,” said Thetford.
The Morale, Welfare and Recreation-organized race was a fundraiser for the Chief Petty Officer Scholarship Fund.
"DLA Distribution Norfolk was honored to play a role in this important event, and I'm proud of our team and how they stepped up to support," said Thetford.