# DLA Land and Maritime looks to the future while recognizing 75 years of Air Force achievement

/ Published Sept. 21, 2022
COLUMBUS, Ohio, 
Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime Commander Army Brig. Gen. Gail Atkins and members of her leadership team hosted the U.S. Air Force 75th birthday celebration at the Defense Supply Center Columbus’ Mission Park Pavilion Sept. 16, to recognize the historical achievements and highlight the future of the service.

DLA Land and Maritime leadership took an active role in recognizing the achievements of the Air Force as DLA Land and Maritime Chief of Staff Air Force Col. Craig Lowery provided introductory remarks for the celebration and DLA Land and Maritime Deputy Commander Kenneth Watson served as the keynote speaker for the historic occasion.

Lowery kicked off the event by thanking all of the Airmen responsible for planning the event and then welcomed all current and former Airmen, DLA associates and other servicemembers in attendance.

He transitioned into his opening remarks by wishing the Air Force a happy 75th birthday and continued with addressing the true purpose of taking time to officially recognize and celebrate the birthdays of the Armed Forces.

“The Air Force birthday, like all of our military celebrations, serves to remind us of where we come from and help us better appreciate the sacrifices of those who went before us,” Lowery said. “Today gives us the opportunity to remember our proud heritage – a legacy set-in motion with President Harry S. Truman signing the National Security Act of 1947, thus making way for the establishment of the Air Force.”

Additionally, Lowery spoke about the specific culture of the Air Force and focused particularly on its historical achievements and efforts of Airmen such as himself. Airmen, who like Lowery, came from towns and cities across this country and answered to call to serve.

“For 75 years American Airmen have excelled as they execute the Air Force mission to fly, fight and win and to deliver airpower anytime, anywhere,” Lowery said. “We have combined innovation and technology with dedication to duty and courage under fire; the men and women of our Air Force have consistently demonstrated valor, professionalism, and selflessness as we have answered the call and fought side-by-side with our sister services around the globe from Korea to Vietnam, and in the Middle East.”

Lowery concluded his opening remarks by giving a special thank you and happy birthday greeting to all the assigned active and reserve Airmen at DLA Land and Maritime, for all they do to help the Air Force fly, fight, and win.

Following Lowery’s remarks those in attendance were invited to join the Airmen for lunch. Airmen assigned to DLA Land and Maritime prepared food on the grill for all the guests in attendance. At the conclusion of lunch, DLA Land and Maritime Deputy Command Kenneth Watson provided additional remarks to commemorate the event.

Coinciding with this year’s theme of “Innovate, Accelerate and Thrive – the Air Force at 75,” Watson’s remarks focused on the Air Force’s ability to remain at the forefront of innovation and cutting-edge technology despite the challenges of operating in a contested logistics environment.

Watson, who began his civil service career in 1989 as a Palace Acquire Intern Inventory Management Specialist at McClellan Air Force Base in Sacramento, California, spent the formative years of his career working for the Air Force in supply chain logistics, materiel readiness and maintenance support of major weapon systems and military equipment within the Department of Defense.

Watson noted that when he first reported to McClellan Air Force Base in 1989, he was taken aback at the massive size of the logistics hub, noting that at that time, the world was such a different place than it is now. The United States was just coming out of the Cold War and was beginning to transition into the era of “Modern Air Superiority.” This transition displayed the resilient nature of the Air Force that Watson would forever associate with the Air Force.

“The Air Force has always been very resilient, their resiliency has played a key role in our nation’s air superiority in preserving their future,” Watson said. “The air superiority the Air Force has displayed over the past 75 years is what makes them just as relevant and needed today, perhaps than ever before.”

Watson concluded his remarks by touching on the bright future of the Air Force and recognized the role the service has played in establishing the Space Force, but he did not want to lose sight of how excited he is to see what the future brings for the Air Force. He specially mentioned the future of fourth generation fighter aircraft such as the A-10, F-15 and F-16, fifth generation aircraft like the F-22 Raptor already in production, and specialized aircraft such as the new B-21 Raider ready to take flight.

Before departing the podium Watson took one last opportunity to remind everyone in attendance how important the work they do at DLA Land and Maritime is.

“Your efforts here directly contribute to mission success, the work we do here directly impacts the Air Force’s ability to maintain Air superiority,” Watson said. “For the Airmen assigned here at Land and Maritime, you are Airmen and you are logisticians. Both of these make you an immensely valuable commodity for our customers. Our customers demand and deserve superior logistics that DLA [Land and Maritime] provides."

The event concluded with Air Force Tech. Sgt. Brian Brazil, the senior enlisted Airman in attendance, inviting all Airmen to the stage for a group photograph followed by the ceremonial cake cutting, with DLA Land and Maritime Employee Assistance Program Manager Drew Henderson and Brazil. This Air Force ceremony normally features the use of a ceremonial sword being used by the most junior and senior Airmen in attendance, but for local purposes Henderson and Brazil, who is a career Airman, cut the cake re-interpreting the Air Force tradition.