St. Louis changes command, maintains naval leadership

Courtesy Photo | Navy Capt. Matthew McLaurin assumes command of Defense Contract Management Agency Boeing St. Louis from Navy Capt. Rick Taylor during a ceremony in front of 140 family members, government personnel and Boeing officials Dec. 17, 2014  

ST. LOUIS, MO, UNITED STATES

01.09.2015

Courtesy Story

Defense Contract Management Agency

ST. LOUIS, Mo. - Navy Capt. Matthew McLaurin assumed command of Defense Contract Management Agency Boeing St. Louis from Navy Capt. Rick Taylor during a ceremony in front of 140 family members, government personnel and Boeing officials Dec. 17.

Taylor, who oversaw more than 200 military and civilian personnel and 12 major defense programs during his 36-month tenure, attributed much of his success to the professional working relationship between agency personnel and Boeing.

“My tour here at DCMA has been illuminating and challenging because what we do here has immediate and direct ramifications on our national security,” said Taylor. “I’ve been on the using end of the F/A-18 and other contractor products, from squadrons to carriers to staff duty. It’s really awe-inspiring when you think of all the things that need to happen to make a plane or a weapon system, safely and with the highest quality.”

McLaurin comes to St. Louis after serving as DCMA Japan’s commanding officer at Naval Air Facility Atsugi, which provides depot level repair and maintenance of deployed Navy and Marine Corps aircraft.

“It is truly an honor to have been given the opportunity to lead DCMA Boeing St. Louis,” said McLaurin, addressing the ceremony attendees. “I look forward to continuing this relationship with Boeing in order to deliver the highest quality systems and support on behalf of the Department of Defense. I embrace this opportunity to serve you and I am humbled to be your new commander.”

DCMA Boeing St. Louis has a long and distinguished history in support of the Navy and Air Force, according to Navy Cmdr. James Wong, DCMA Boeing St. Louis executive officer. The command originated as the Inspector of Naval Aircraft in 1940. In 1943, after the completion of the Curtis-Wright Dive Bomber Program in support of World War II efforts, the office became the Bureau of Aeronautics Resident Representative Office. Between 1966 and 1988, the local government office was either a Naval Plant Representative Office or an Air Force Plant Representative Office depending on which service had the majority of programs. In 1990, Boeing St. Louis joined Defense Contract Management Command after its establishment.

• Date Taken: 01.09.2015
• Date Posted: 01.12.2015 10:50
• Story ID: 151778
• Location: ST. LOUIS, MO, US