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# DLA logistics operations director retires after 35 years of service

By Alexandria Brimage-GrayDLA Public Affairs

                FORT BELVOIR, Va.   –              
Navy Rear Adm. Doug Noble Jr., the Defense Logistics Agency’s director of logistics operations and commander of joint regional command support, celebrated the end of 35 years of active-duty service during a retirement ceremony June 14 in the McNamara Headquarters Complex Auditorium.

Noble oversaw the end-to-end management of eight supply chains and 2,300 weapons systems while engaging customers around the world to maximize readiness and logistics support.

DLA Director Army Lt. Gen. Mark Simerly presided over the ceremony and described his initial meeting with Noble in Kabul, Afghanistan, where the two were responsible for the retrograde and drawdown of operations.

“I was impressed by his willingness to partner, his multifunctional acumen and his ability to rapidly translate warfighting requirements to the sustainment enterprise,” he said. “He was one of the first DLA leaders I had worked closely with in a combat operation, and I gained immense respect not only for the agency but for him as a colleague.”

                Defense Logistics Agency Director Army Lt. Gen. Mark Simerly presents Navy Rear Adm. Doug Noble Jr., DLA’s director of logistics operations, an award during his retirement ceremony in the McNamara Headquarters Complex Auditorium June 14, 2024. Photo by Chris Lynch                            DLA logistics operations director retires after 35 years of service                            Defense Logistics Agency Director Army Lt. Gen. Mark Simerly presents Navy Rear Adm. Doug Noble Jr., DLA’s director of logistics operations, an award during his retirement ceremony in the McNamara Headquarters Complex Auditorium June 14, 2024. Photo by Chris Lynch            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: DoD Photo by Chris LynchVIRIN: 240614-D-HE260-1002Simerly added that Noble’s retirement signifies the end of an illustrious Navy and DLA career marked by exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication and a deep commitment to serving his country.

“With his vast experience and strategic insights, Doug has been a beacon of inspiration for many in the Navy and in this agency,” the director said. “His retirement is not just a farewell to his active service, but a celebration of his significant contributions and the lasting legacy he leaves behind.”

Noble served two previous assignments at DLA before joining the agency in May 2021 for his final naval assignment as DLA’s operations director. He previously worked in plans and policy for DLA Logistics Operations and led a DLA Support Team in Afghanistan, where he was responsible for DLA personnel and operations supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Simerly credited Noble and his team for helping the services and combatant commands restore weapons system readiness during a transformative time. He also thanked Noble for spearheading the development of a plan to ensure DLA is effectively postured around the world to support the Defense Department’s response to natural disasters, global competition and conflict, and positively impacting national security in Afghanistan, Ukraine, and Israel.  

Noble ensured DLA support to the services, combatant commands and whole-of-government partners. He also helped the agency’s workforce adapt to changing environments during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Even with a largely virtual workforce, the J3 team experienced zero mission interruptions, accomplishing remarkable improvements that will ensure warfighters are supported well into the future,” Simerly said.

                Defense Logistics Agency Director Army Lt. Gen. Mark Simerly presents awards to the children of Navy Rear Adm. Doug Noble Jr., DLA’s director of logistics operations, during his retirement ceremony in the McNamara Headquarters Complex Auditorium June 14, 2024. Photo by Chris Lynch                            DLA logistics operations director retires after 35 years of service                            Defense Logistics Agency Director Army Lt. Gen. Mark Simerly presents awards to the children of Navy Rear Adm. Doug Noble Jr., DLA’s director of logistics operations, during his retirement ceremony in the McNamara Headquarters Complex Auditorium June 14, 2024. Photo by Chris Lynch            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: DoD Photo by Chris LynchVIRIN: 240614-D-HE260-1003

In his farewell speech, Noble thanked his colleagues, friends and family for their support throughout his career while reflecting on his initial thoughts before joining the Navy at his parents’ nudging.

“When I was much younger, it felt like the thought of a 5-year service obligation was an eternity, and how could you ever possibly do that?” Noble said with a smile.  “Now, I look back and the last 35 years have gone by in the blink of an eye.”

As Noble continued to reflect on his life and naval career and the twists and turns that took place despite his own shortcomings, he said, “I can’t help but see the help of the divine providence leading me by not always giving me what I want, but by giving me what I need, even if I don’t realize it until much later.”  

Noble graduated in 1989 from the U.S. Naval Academy, where he received a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering. He also holds a Master of Science in operations research from the Naval Postgraduate School, where he was selected as the Navy League’s distinguished graduate in 2000 and a Master of Business Administration from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business.

As Noble sails into retirement, Simerly and his staff welcome Air Force Maj. Gen. David Sanford as the new director of logistics operations.

Sanford previously served as the director of logistics, engineering and force protection at Headquarters Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. He was also responsible for policy, guidance, training and resources in support of more than 49,000 total-force logistics, civil engineering and force protection personnel, and 1,074 aircraft at 10 major installations in the United States and nearly 100 locations worldwide.

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Navy Retirement CeremonyUnited States NavyUnited States Naval AcademyDefense Logistics AgencyNavy Supply CorpsLogistics Operations