Marine Corps Logistics Command, Albany GA -- Assistant Secretary of the Navy (ASN), Research, Development and Acquisition (RDA), James Geurts visited Marine Corps Logistics Base (MCLB) Albany Oct. 2 to tour Marine Corps Logistics Command (MARCORLOGCOM) and MCLB Albany facilities.
ASN(RD&A) Geurts met with Maj. Gen. Joseph F. Shrader, commanding general, MARCORLOGCOM and Col. Alphonso Trimble, commanding officer, MCLB Albany before he toured the base.
The Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition serves as the Navy Acquisition Executive and is responsible for the development and acquisition of Navy and Marine Corps platforms and weapon systems. Geurts characterized his role saying, “my job is to cut through the red tape so that the Navy and Marine Corps can get what they need quickly.”
The tour consisted of a demonstration of MCLB Albany’s Facility Related Control System, proposed facility improvements to Marine Depot Maintenance Command, and a robotics demonstration with Marine Force Storage Command. Marines, Sailors, Civilian-Marines and contractors utilized the visit as an opportunity to showcase innovation at every stop.
Geurts praised the efforts that he saw. “Marines are developing technologies and testing it in partnership with business, industry and academia. The work that is being done here is powerful,” said Geurts.
ASN(RD&A) Geurts established the NavalX Agility Office in February 2019 to connect internal and external partners for increased awareness and access to best practices and technologies.
Geurts said that the workforce here is quickly achieving the expected outcomes that the NavalX program is intended to deliver. “Maximizing resources, integrating as a team with their partners to insert new technologies at scale to create solutions needed now. This is a special team we have here.” added Geurts.
The NavalX mission to empower the Navy’s workforce with agility tools that enable flexibility and drive accelerated outcomes directly aligns with NAVWAR’s strategic objective to accelerate and streamline delivery of information warfighting capabilities.
Before leaving, Geurts charged MARCORLOGCOM’s Marines and Civilian-Marines saying, “Be bold in action and humble in your approach. We are counting on you to continue to drive the change.”