BY MC1 (SW) BRIAN MCNEAL, USN, NAVY PUBLIC AFFAIRS, SUPPORT ELEMENT EAST [capt
] Rear Adm. Althea H. “Allie” Coetzee, Chief of Staff, to the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology & Logistics, held an Admiral’s call with nearly 40 Navy Reservists from the logistics community during a visit to Norfolk Naval Station on April 9. Rear Adm. Coetzee and the Supply Corps officers and Sailors spent nearly two hours engaged in discussions covering a variety of subjects including career development and current trends in acquisitions. “I wanted to come down and see what is going on in the fleet and to connect with my Reservists,” said Coetzee. “I really value the next generation and I want them to have that interface opportunity with the flag community as much as possible.” Coetzee’s experience in the joint environment, serving as Deputy J4/Chief Contingency Contracting Officer for Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, has given her a unique perspective of the skillset the Navy Supply Corps brings to the logistics community. “Sailors find solutions and are not bound by constraints,” said Coetzee. “Because we are independent when we go out to sea and are given such responsibility right out of the gate, I think we are more inclined to look at a problem more holistically and to see what’s available instead of what is given.” Ensign Robert Persons, who arrived at Defense Logistics Agency the day before the Admiral’s visit, was encouraged by Coetzee’s endorsement. “I think it’s true. As opposed to strictly a Supply Corps officer or finance specialist, we can do it all,” said Persons.
July/August 2016