DLA Aviation stands down as Weapons Support prepares to activate

The Defense Logistics Agency has deactivated DLA Aviation and is consolidating it with DLA Land and Maritime to form DLA Weapons Support, a new command designed to streamline sustainment of weapon systems across the U.S. military. The change was marked July 23 during a ceremony at Defense Supply Center Richmond in Virginia, where DLA Director Army Lt. Gen. Mark Simerly officiated and bid farewell to Aviation’s final commander, Air Force Brig. Gen. Patrick Launey.

“Today is not an ending,” he said. “It is a continuation of a proud lineage, unified under a single mission … warfighter readiness. This new command will build upon the powerful legacies of its predecessors to deliver enhanced readiness and lethality to the warfighters across the globe.”

Simerly framed the merger as a response to evolving operational realities. “The global joint logistics environment we operate in today is more complex, more unpredictable and more technologically advanced, which demands unprecedented speed, precision and resilience across every domain,” Simerly continued. “This merger strengthens our ability to sustain weapon systems across the Joint Force and gives commanders a single, integrated partner. It gives industry a clearer demand signal, and it gives the warfighter a stronger, more agile logistics backbone.”

Launey departs after leading a campaign that reduced instances where aircraft were grounded awaiting specific parts across key strategic fleets. According to DLA, Mission Impaired Capability Awaiting Parts totals fell by 36% for the Minuteman III ICBM enterprise, 54% for the B-52 Stratofortress, and 51% for the B-2 Spirit.

“His tenure was defined by a relentless drive for data-driven results and a laser focus on warfighter readiness,” Simerly said. “Patrick, you have guided this organization with steadiness, clarity and a vision anchored in readiness. Your strategic vision, collaborative approach and steady hand have significantly enhanced the operational effectiveness and posture of this agency when facing the challenges of tomorrow. Your commitment to your people, your mission and your customers has set the conditions for a seamless transition and a powerful future.”

Launey credited the workforce for Aviation’s gains, calling them “the very engine of aviation readiness.” He added, “You have always seen the pilots, the maintainers and the warfighters on the front lines, and you have served them with a dedication that is unwavering.” Emphasizing the reorganization’s intent, he said, “This ceremony is not an ending. It is a transformation,” and, “We are not closing a book; we are beginning a new volume, combining the tremendous strengths, talents and cultures of both DLA Aviation and DLA Land and Maritime into one integrated, formidable team.”

The move unites two commands with deep roots in defense supply. Richmond’s installation began as the Richmond General Depot in 1942 and became DLA Aviation in 2010 to centralize aircraft supply chains. DLA Land and Maritime, also designated in 2010 and based at Defense Supply Center Columbus, has specialized in parts and systems for ground and naval platforms.

DLA said the new organization will operate as a single enterprise for Class IX—repair parts and components—creating one point of contact for customers while eliminating overlap and improving demand forecasting. Headquartered in Columbus, DLA Weapons Support will maintain primary hubs in Ohio and Virginia and more than 50 forward sites worldwide. DLA Land and Maritime will be formally deactivated, and Navy Rear Adm. Julie Treanor will assume command of the new organization during a July 24 ceremony in Columbus.

The agency characterizes the consolidation as an internal realignment to meet the challenges of contested logistics, aiming to strengthen resilience and responsiveness for the joint force. “To the entire Weapons Support team, you drive the nation’s Arsenal of Freedom forward,” Simerly said.