DLA Distribution hosts Navy experts for modernization, capabilities discussion

Defense Logistics Agency Distribution leadership hosted Eric Lind, executive director, Navy Regional Maintenance Center, and Cristina Covalt, director, Fleet Support Contracts Davison for Naval Sea Systems Command, for a discussion on current operational capabilities and future initiatives at their headquarters in New Cumberland Pennsylvania, August 27.

The visit provided a brief overview of the command's core and unique capabilities as the Defense Department's joint storage and distribution provider and how it is evolving to operate in a contested logistics environment. Rear Adm. Michael York, commander, DLA Distribution led the discussion highlighting many of the command's efforts.

"Our modernization efforts across the network will enable us to meet the future demands of support to the warfighter," said York.

Perry Knight, deputy commander, DLA Distribution, highlighted the holistic modernizations efforts, focused on everything from systems management to data-driven management and warehouse operations. The group discussed the ongoing warehouse management system implementation, warehouse execution system, 5G utilization, and ongoing applications of applications augmented reality and automation.

After the discussion, Lind and Covalt received a tour of the 1.7 million square foot Eastern Distribution Center from Navy Capt. Andrew Henwood, commander, Defense Distribution Center, Susquehanna, Pennsylvania. The tour showcased infrastructure, automation, and training enhancements, such as new receiving areas with buffer systems for high-priority material and plans for a "lights out operation" using automated systems for material retrieval. These efforts are expected to increase throughput by approximately 140% and save more than $6 million annually for the next five years.

In his role Lind oversees operations and management of seven regional maintenance centers in the execution of private sector, depot-level maintenance and modernizations, intermediate-level maintenance, and fleet technical and engineering support for U.S. Navy surface ships worldwide. Covalt leads a team of more than 50 contracting professionals that are responsible for all contracting matters related to the Navy's nuclear and non-nuclear ship repair, maintenance, and modernization efforts with major procurement efforts totaling more than $6 billion annually.

"This has been a fantastic opportunity to learn more about DLA and make some important connections," said Lind. "The support you provide enables our fleet to focus on and execute their mission."