• NEWPORT NEWS, Va.
Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force John Bentivegna visited the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s (AAFES) Dan Daniel Distribution Center (DDDC) last month, where he saw first-hand how the warehouse’s technological capabilities support readiness and strengthen the force.
Bentivegna, who also serves on the Exchange Board of Directors, was joined by a number of Exchange officials, including Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Rich Martinez; Senior Vice President (SVP), Supply Chain Fred Hannah; and SVP, Brand Marketing Sandi Lute.
David Hill and Ron Willis, DDDC manager and assistant manager, respectively, were also part of the team during the visit, as was David Young, chief of e-commerce Fulfillment Operations.
THE TOUR
The team shared an overview of the critical role the Exchange’s largest distribution center plays in supporting service members and families around the world, and highlighted recent technology upgrades.
The tour focused on goods-to-person; e-commerce fulfillment and robots; military clothing; drone and transportation technology; shipping efficiencies; and shipments to contingency locations.
“The Space Force is built on high-tech innovation, and it’s great to see our AAFES partners doing the same,” Bentivegna said. “What I saw at Dan Daniel is a great example of the tactical modernization that ensures our Guardians and families worldwide have access to, and timely delivery of, Exchange benefits.”
Beyond warehouse modernization, Bentivegna received a demonstration of the goods-to-person automation system that was implemented late last year.
With goods-to-person, shuttles and conveyor systems bring merchandise to associates, saving the time needed to physically move throughout the Exchange’s 1.4-million-square-foot warehouse to gather items for orders.
This results in less physical strain and a more optimized workflow.
CHALLENGE COIN RECIPIENTS
Bentivegna recognized eight DDDC associates with his challenge coin for their efforts in implementing the goods-to-person initiative.
Along with David Young, who accompanied the team on the tour, the other coin recipients were DaShaun Brockett and Jamar Nelson, maintenance workers; Alesha Harper, logistics ops manager III; Ryan Laking, maintenance worker; Paul Merlo-Colon and Jaleesa Stevenson, warehouse worker foremen; and Kyle Smith, logistics ops manager I.
“Cutting-edge technology is useless without the skilled teammates who operate it,” Bentivegna said. “By mastering these automated systems, adopting the changes, and training your teammates, you’re accelerating the support loop for our service members across our installations and deployed far away from home.
“Your daily hustle directly sustains our joint force operations. That is a mission of service, and your impact is felt globally.”
Source: AAFES
Edited by Larry Lapka
