# Commander hosts town hall, recognizes award winners

/ Published Nov. 28, 2018
COLUMBUS, Ohio , 
The Defense Logistics Agency’s Dynamic Operating Plan and observations from his first 100 days of command were the focus of Navy Rear Adm. John Palmer’s second town hall since taking the helm of DLA Land and Maritime. 

Palmer addressed the workforce Nov. 15 in the Defense Supply Center Columbus’ Operations Center Auditorium and discussed the major subordinate command’s way ahead in 2019 as the Agency seeks to prioritize objectives over the coming year. Support to Department of Defense reform efforts and auditability are key areas for the Agency. 

“The arc of reform is going toward DLA and I believe this means more work in the long term is coming to us,” Palmer explained. “Our capabilities here at Land and Maritime put us in a good position. We’re going to continue to do our part, and that’s good for the Warfighter because we do a fine job supporting the nation and ensuring they have what they need.”

DLA Land and Maritime’s operating plan incorporates nearly 80 measurable end states against the Agency’s lines of effort in Warfighter First, Global Posture, Strong Partnerships, Always Accountable and People and Culture. These metrics were added based upon feedback from DLA Director Army Lt. Gen. Darrell Williams during his previous visit to DLA Land and Maritime.

At the beginning of the town hall, Palmer recognized several associates for their efforts over the last quarter. New supervisors Martin Hernandez Lopez and Eric Wilde, both with the Engineering and Technical Support Directorate, were given supervisor pins.  Maritime Supplier Operations’ James Spenn was recognized as the supervisor of the month. Land Supplier Operations’ Deborah Ferrin was awarded the DLA Director’s Strategic Goals Award for her work in the Warfighter First and Always Accountable goal areas. The Engineering and Technical Support Directorate’s Product Verification Program Division received the DLA Director’s Strategic Goal Award for their efforts in the Always Accountable goal area. Team members included Kenneth Bernauer, Ken Blevins, Aaron Craft, Mark Felton, Stephen Forst, Kevin Goad, Michael Hoten, David Loughman, Richer Peterson, Andrew Sammons, Annette Seman, Christina Sykes and Bruce Tucker.

Navy Lt. Joshua Fox, of the Strategic Acquisitions Programs Directorate, was named the DLA Company Grade Officer of the Quarter. In the deployer category, the Superior Civilian Service Award was given to Tim Nourse, of the Readiness and Business Operations branch, for his efforts as a universal customer accounts specialist for DLA Support Team – Afghanistan earlier this year.

Transitioning to the formal portion of the town hall session, Palmer broke down recent culture survey results and gave a summary of key fiscal year 2018 actions as well as what to expect in 2019.

In the near future, Palmer said adjustments to the battle rhythm should be expected as the command aligns communication efforts for greater efficiency. 

As the holidays approach, Palmer also took the opportunity to deliver a safety message and ask associates to be aware of those around them who may be struggling. 

A question and answer session concluded the town hall.