# DLA Distribution Commander tours EDC, largest distribution center in DoD Network

/ Published Nov. 9, 2022
NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa., 
Navy Rear Adm. Grafton D. Chase, commander of Defense Logistics Agency Distribution, toured the full range of facilities operated by DLA Distribution Susquehanna, Pennsylvania, including operations hosted at Naval Support Activity, Mechanicsburg.

Rear Adm. Chase was able to see the most recent work done on the Eastern Distribution Center modernization project. The EDC is the largest warehousing facility in the Defense Department , serving DoD customers across the globe.

                Jenny Potts, Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Susquehanna, Pennsylvania, supervisor, left describes to Navy Rear Adm. Grafton D. Chase, commander, DLA Distribution, the ongoing Veterans Affairs mission and personal protective equipment material on hand for the ongoing fight against COVID-19.                            DLA Distribution Commander tours EDC, largest distribution center in DoD Network                            Jenny Potts, Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Susquehanna, Pennsylvania, supervisor, left describes to Navy Rear Adm. Grafton D. Chase, commander, DLA Distribution, the ongoing Veterans Affairs mission and personal protective equipment material on hand for the ongoing fight against COVID-19.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Matthew MahoneyVIRIN: 221014-D-VQ057-0038                Navy Rear Adm. Grafton D. Chase, commander, Defense Logistics Agency Distribution, left, talks with Army Col. Samuel Miller, commander, DLA Distribution Susquehanna, Pennsylvania, about how the current modernization project will enhance worker safety, audit readiness and accuracy for DLA Distribution customers.                            DLA Distribution Commander tours EDC, largest distribution center in DoD Network                            Navy Rear Adm. Grafton D. Chase, commander, Defense Logistics Agency Distribution, left, talks with Army Col. Samuel Miller, commander, DLA Distribution Susquehanna, Pennsylvania, about how the current modernization project will enhance worker safety, audit readiness and accuracy for DLA Distribution customers.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Matthew MahoneyVIRIN: 221014-D-VQ057-0008

A focus on the tour of the EDC was highlighting how the current model of the EDC operates on “person to goods” model, where the worker moves to where the goods are stowed to perform their duties. The new modernization project will move the EDC to a “goods to person” model, where automated processes will bring the goods to a worker. This new model will increase accuracy, increase the speed of work and create a safer working environment.

In addition to the current modernization effort, Chase was shown warehouses and material related to the ongoing COVID-19 fight. Personal protective equipment, temperature – controlled vaccine storage, test kits and material held as part of the Veterans Affairs mission are all currently stored at DDSP facilities in such a way they can be easily moved and accessed as the mission requires.

Chase and his leadership team are currently balancing the challenges of implementing both process enhancements and modernization investments to improve warfighter support and auditability throughout DLA Distribution’s worldwide network.

                Navy Rear Adm. Grafton D. Chase,  commander, Defense Logistics Agency Distribution, looks out across the mezzanine area of DLA Distribution Susquehanna, Pennsylvania. A large focus area of the modernization effort, the mezzanine area will serve as a “goods to person” mode of operation at DDSP.                            DLA Distribution Commander tours EDC, largest distribution center in DoD Network                            Navy Rear Adm. Grafton D. Chase,  commander, Defense Logistics Agency Distribution, looks out across the mezzanine area of DLA Distribution Susquehanna, Pennsylvania. A large focus area of the modernization effort, the mezzanine area will serve as a “goods to person” mode of operation at DDSP.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Matthew MahoneyVIRIN: 221014-D-VQ057-0013