Embedded logisticians hone skills at annual homecoming

Forward-deployed logistics specialists from U.S. Navy shipyards and supply hubs worldwide converged at Defense Logistics Agency Weapons Support headquarters Aug. 17-20 for Maritime Customer Operations’ annual “Homecoming” training — a reunion-style tune‑up aimed at sharpening skills, strengthening networks and synchronizing support to the fleet.

The gathering brought together customer logistics site specialists and customer support representatives who serve as on‑scene links between DLA and maritime maintenance and operations, both in the United States and overseas. Embedded alongside sailors and civilian maintainers, the small cadre’s technical expertise is designed to keep parts moving and ships on schedule.

“We do what we do to keep freedom alive,” said Terrance Taylor, a customer support representative at Norfolk Naval Station in Virginia. “Our direct support to the warfighter is the reason we are here.”

Navy Capt. Danny Ewing, director for Maritime Customer Operations, underscored the stakes, crediting the group with quietly enabling fleet readiness. “Working largely behind the scenes, these logistics professionals are the unsung heroes of fleet readiness,” he said. “Their dedication and attention to their craft is critical to getting ships out to sea on time to defend America’s interests.”

This year’s event unfolded as DLA continues consolidating functions from DLA Land and Maritime and DLA Aviation into the new DLA Weapons Support organization. Leaders said the forward presence team maintained continuity through the transition and continues to draw praise from customers.

“As we continue to transform into DLA Weapons Support, we set out to capitalize on what we do well, and your support is one of those things,” said DLA Weapons Support Commander Navy Rear Adm. Julie Treanor. “You are hand-in-glove with our customers, and I always get tremendous feedback on your responsiveness.”

Treanor added that meeting in person remains vital for a workforce often spread across continents. “Beyond our routine communications by phone and computer, the opportunity to meet face-to-face and synchronize as one unified team is incredibly important,” she said.

Maritime Customer Operations has staged the “Homecoming” for several years to provide professional development and peer‑to‑peer learning for its forward presence professionals. Over four days, attendees received updates on organizational changes and workshopped new tools and processes intended to speed support to sailors and shipyards.

“Being able to interact and network with the rest of the team enables us to share experiences, improve our jobs and better support the fleet,” Taylor said. “I don’t get to see my team at all; they only know me via email. Putting a name with a face builds a much deeper relationship.”

For newcomers, the concentrated time with counterparts offered a ready‑made bench of expertise to call upon once back on site. “I feel like I’m already closer with this group in just three days than the past 11 years in my previous position,” said Jessica Cameron, a new customer logistics site specialist at Trident Refit Facility Bangor in Washington.

The week also drew personnel from the Western Pacific, where DLA staff work daily inside Navy ship repair and regional maintenance centers. Customer Logistics Site Specialist Willie Strickland, who supports the Navy Ship Repair Facility in Yokosuka and the Japan Regional Maintenance Center in Sasebo, said the exchanges translate directly to the waterfront. “To be able to have deep meaningful discussions about the different processes and experiences that we have out in the different areas is invaluable,” he said.