DLA Distribution hosts Coast Guard engineering, logistics leader

Michael Haycock, deputy assistant commandant for engineering and logistics, U.S. Coast Guard, and John Bragaw, production manager, Coast Guard Yard, visited Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Headquarters in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania, and toured the facilities at DLA Distribution Susquehanna, Pennsylvania, March 27.

During the visit Haycock received an overview of DLA Distribution's efforts, including network optimization and transformation, learned about their expeditionary capabilities, whole of government support, and toured the Eastern Distribution Center to witness ongoing modernization initiatives.

"We exist to enable the readiness of the Department of Defense by supporting the combatant commands, military services and the whole of government," said Perry Knight, deputy commander, DLA Distribution. "It's important that we look at modernization in a holistic way to manage our anticipated workload and to create a skilled workforce to meet future challenges."

Navy Rear Adm. Grafton D. Chase, commander DLA Distribution, facilitated the discussion highlighting the commands' role as the Department of Defense's joint storage and distribution provider, their support to the whole of government, and highlighting the mission diversity of the 24 distribution centers located in 20 states and seven countries around the world.

"Our role in supporting the nation's response efforts showcase the agility, commitment and dedication of our workforce to ensure critical supplies reach those in need," said Chase of the command's efforts supporting the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Veterans Health Administration, and the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

DLA Distribution experts also provided a brief overview of the Warehouse Management System, an initiative that uses commercial, off-the-shelf software and offers benefits ranging from improved productivity and streamlined processes to better achieve audit readiness and reporting capabilities between DLA and customers. WMS is currently live at 11 distribution sites worldwide.

While at the 1.7 million square foot Eastern Distribution Center, Haycock learned more about ongoing efforts aimed at boosting production and throughput capabilities. 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, Haycock oversees naval, civil aeronautical, and industrial engineering, logistics, and environmental programs for the Coast Guard's assets, including facilities, ships, boats, and aircraft. He leads personnel at Coast Guard Headquarters and three logistics centers. He previously served as the Naval Sea Systems Command Executive Director of Surface Ship Maintenance and Modernizations.

Haycock, familiar with DLA Distribution efforts due to proximity to NAVSEA sites, thanked the team for their hard work and efforts on behalf of the warfighter.