Town Hall: Leaders brief strategic imperatives, base operations

COLUMBUS, Ohio -

Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime senior leaders provided updates on strategic operations, command initiatives and base services Sept. 5 during a quarterly town hall held at the Defense Supply Center Columbus.

Army Brig. Gen. Gail Atkins, commanding general for DLA Land and Maritime and DSCC, opened the program calling to the day's purpose.

"Effectively communicating is probably one of the toughest things we do," Atkins said, noting the diverse geographic spread of the DLA Land and Maritime workforce. "It's extremely important that we be able to collaborate and provide it at echelon. And it's important we emphasize to you the themes in some of the biggest efforts that have been ongoing. What you're going to hear us talk about today is where both the Agency and Land and Maritime are going strategically in FY25 and beyond."

Army Col. Ryan Swedlow and Navy Cdr. Keith Hough brought an operational focus in their briefings from the view of Land Customer Operations and Maritime Customer Operations, respectively. Hough briefed current fleet operations and the Navy's mission, while Swedlow provided an update on U.S. Army and Marine Corps support. Both emphasized DLA Land and Maritime's role in global sustainment and integrated deterrence.

"I think the biggest challenge a leader faces is how to balance readiness today - because we have to be ready today - with the responsibilities for tomorrow," Swedlow said.

"Our core weapon systems for the [Army and Marine Corps] went into service in the 1970s," he explained. "We've faced a lot of challenges within the defense industrial base sustaining these weapon systems decade after decade…now the [military services] are going through generational modernization efforts. They are pushing brand new weapon systems out with increasing speed and will continue to do so over the coming years. That presents new opportunities…for many of the people in this room as we work to understand the technical components that support those weapon systems and ultimately get those items on contract and delivered to forces around the globe."

Following the operational briefings, Atkins spoke to the workforce on the recently released DLA Strategic Plan 2025-2030 and the DLA Director's four strategic imperatives: Posture, Precision People and Partnerships. Atkins noted the dynamic nature of the current global environment, with China's pacing threat and the acute threat posed by Russia as well as conflict in the Middle East.

"How do we ensure that we're ready for the punch if things go kinetic?" she asked before delving into the specifics of each imperative.

Addressing the People component, Atkins said, "We all know that there is a very different human capital landscape going on…we have more people with less than five years of government experience than we've ever had. That presents an incredible opportunity…make no doubt that out of the 4 P's, People is number one."

Following her remarks, Deputy Commander Kenneth Watson addressed the workforce and touted efforts throughout FY24 to add cultural offerings. Initiatives include READY forums, Warfighter Mission Tours, employee recognition events, recruiting efforts and the revitalization of the DLA Land and Maritime mentoring program. Watson encouraged workforce participation in the upcoming Defense Organizational Climate Survey, which kicks off Oct. 7 and runs through Nov. 15.

Following Watson's presentation, DLA Land and Maritime Acquisition Executive Robert Johnson briefed the workforce on the command's "35 by 25: Productivity - Quality - Accuracy" campaign achievements. The campaign continues to make strides in reducing purchase request backorders, with an eye toward September 2025.

DSCC's Deputy Site Director Ed Mikula was on hand to give a presentation covering a wide range of installation topics including upcoming construction, gate traffic changes, cafeteria operations, parking lot maintenance and Child Development Center hiring efforts. The childcare facility is looking to hire an additional 37 positions to achieve 100 percent staffing to support installation families. Mikula encouraged interested candidates to contact the DSCC Morale Welfare Recreation office.

Employees were reminded about the installation weapon and drug policy. Random Antiterrorism Measures are being conducted on both inbound and outbound traffic for contraband items such as firearms, ammunition and drugs. Mikula reminded the workforce that while recreational marijuana may now be legal in Ohio, it remains prohibited on federal installations to include DSCC.

A question-and-answer session followed Mikula's presentation. Questions centered on adding more base services such as reinstating the Building 20 Sundry Store and barber shop. Mikula briefed that plans are in the works on both. Employees asked about increased police presence and traffic control measures during construction at the main installation access control point, which will drive commuters to the South Yearling Road gate in the coming weeks. Mikula confirmed that police officers would be out guiding traffic. "It's going to be new for everybody. We ask that you please keep the speed down so we can keep everybody safe," he said.

At the conclusion of the town hall, Atkins encouraged participants to speak up on topics they'd like to hear more about in the future.

"This is your town hall. We want to expand on the things you want to hear more about. Communicate about the things that are on your mind."

Missed the DLA Land and Maritime Quarterly Town Hall? Watch it here using a CAC-enabled device.

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