Simerly departs as Sanford takes the helm at DLA

Air Force Lt. Gen. David Sanford assumed leadership of the Defense Logistics Agency on Oct. 2, taking the helm from Army Lt. Gen. Mark Simerly during a change-of-responsibility ceremony at the McNamara Headquarters Complex. Simerly, who became DLA director in February 2024 and previously led DLA Troop Support in Philadelphia, retired later that day after a 36-year Army career during a ceremony at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in Arlington, Virginia.

Sanford, the agency’s 22nd director, most recently led DLA Logistics Operations and commanded the agency’s Joint Regional Combat Support. He earlier commanded Defense Supply Center Richmond and DLA Aviation prior to that organization’s incorporation into DLA Weapons Support.

Brian Birdwell, the assistant secretary of war for sustainment, officiated and praised Simerly’s efforts to sharpen DLA’s role as a premier combat support agency. “Throughout his tenure, General Simerly has exemplified what it means to be a visionary leader — a skilled professional. And while the achievements chronicled in his Defense Distinguished Service Medal citation reflect the strategic scope of his success, his most lasting contribution is etched into the culture, competence and fighting ethos he instilled across this workforce,” Birdwell said. “Whether forward deployed or supporting from home station, he ensured every employee understood that they are actively in the fight,” Birdwell said.

Turning to Sanford, Birdwell underscored the expectations that come with the post. “As I learned many years ago when I commissioned in 1984, promotions in rank like yours two weeks ago, as well as in responsibilities like today, are not given because of past performance, but because of what is expected of you in the future,” Birdwell said. “We expect great things of you and DLA in support of the warfighter.”

Simerly reflected on closing out his tenure with gratitude, pride and confidence in DLA’s mission and people. He lauded the workforce’s ethos and contribution to operations at the tip of the spear. “What defines you is your grit, your determination, and your willingness to fight behind the scenes so that those at the leading edge of the fight are as ready as they can possibly be,” Simerly said. “Your grit is matched by a deep passion for service to our nation and a positive, can-do culture that focuses on getting things done the right way.”

Recalling his time as chief of logistics for U.S. forces in Afghanistan, Simerly said he saw DLA’s reach in austere environments. “I witnessed firsthand what this agency can achieve in the far corners of the world, under the most austere conditions,” he said. “I developed a deep admiration for the people, uniformed and civilian, who choose to serve within DLA. That knowledge made coming here as director over two-and-a-half years ago so sweet.”

He pointed to efforts to modernize and transform the enterprise, from data and digital training to integrating artificial intelligence and analytics into daily operations. “We encouraged people to be agile, principled and digitally competent,” he said. “We built training to strengthen data acumen and promote the responsible use of AI, and we fostered a culture of excellence, ready for the challenges ahead.” He added, “These capabilities are already shaping how we support the joint force, and they continue to strengthen DLA for years to come.”

Among the structural changes he highlighted was the consolidation of DLA Land and Maritime with DLA Aviation into DLA Weapons Support. “DLA Weapons Support is already proving what a unified enterprise can achieve, and it will continue to be a cornerstone for how we deliver for the joint force,” Simerly said.

After the ceremonial passing of the DLA flag, Sanford thanked mentors and leaders across the War Department, the joint logistics community and former DLA directors, and emphasized his focus on the agency’s people and readiness. “The men and women of the Defense Logistics Agency are an outstanding team, and we stand ready to aggressively get after the integrated capabilities needed to sustain the joint force in order to protect the homeland, deter adversaries and build a strong industrial base,” Sanford said.

He said DLA must adapt to meet its mission of delivering efficient, cost-effective logistics across the joint force amid intensifying, multi-domain threats. “Unlike any time in our nation’s history, we face opponents who are prepared to challenge our joint force across multiple domains,” he said. “It is imperative that we reimagine how we provide and project sustainment power to deter and defeat our opponents.”

Sanford said speed, collaboration and rigorous planning will guide his approach. “By working as one unified agency, bringing together our capabilities and holding ourselves to clear and measurable standards, we will create the speed and agility our mission and our nation requires,” Sanford said.