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SEATTLE, Wash. - Defense Contract Management Agency Boeing Seattle recently held a 90th anniversary event to pay tribute to the rich history of government in-plant service here. Past commanders, former DCMA employees and the current workforce gathered to celebrate the momentous occasion.
“We have a unique heritage because this Boeing plant has delivered weapon systems to the Department of Defense for almost 100 years,” said Air Force Lt. Col. Louis Orndorff, DCMA Boeing Seattle commander.
Over the past nine decades, the civilian and military workforce here has supported a full spectrum of aerospace power to include bombers, missiles, spacecraft and high energy airborne laser programs.
According to Rnita Jacklin, retired DCMA Seattle commander’s secretary, the office symbolizes the beginning of government representation in contractor facilities. “The people here have always prided themselves on being the first in-plant office in the country.”
“I worked on the 75th anniversary celebration and it gave me such a sense of pride to celebrate the history, accomplishments and dedication of the people of this office,” continued Jacklin. “It’s awesome to continue the tradition of celebrating these milestones.”
Karen Crumley, DCMA administrative contracting officer, agreed. “It gives me great pride to be part of the oldest in-plant representative office. We have survived countless reorganizations yet our focus and dedication does not waver – we know our jobs and how to do them well.”
Orndorff said despite the many changes and restructures, the DCMA mission has remained mostly the same. “Our job is to make sure quality products are delivered to the warfighter and this is why we’ve been here all along,” said Orndorff.
“I think the basic idea of having a group of people in the plant who know how the contractor does business across the board is a core function,” continued Orndorff. “Contract oversight is about making sure the government gets what it pays for and DCMA Boeing Seattle has focused on that for 90 years, and continues to do so today.”
Many retired employees were recognized for their contributions during the ceremony. “In all, over 30 retired members attended the celebration,” said Orndorff. “The DCMA Boeing Seattle legacy has a continued reputation for excellence and in the room were people who had been at the core of that excellence for more than 50 years.”
Additional highlights of the ceremony included comments read from previous commanders, an artifact display table showcasing the office’s history and a collage of pictures throughout the years for attendees to sign.
Orndorff said the turnout was exceptional. “I am very proud to be the leader of this outstanding organization.”
Jerry Smith, DCMA Boeing Seattle deputy commander, summarized the event. “Today was an outstanding event and it made me proud to be associated with DCMA, and prouder yet to be part of something much bigger than any one of us. After today the word heritage has a much clearer meaning for me.”
| Date Taken: | 12.08.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 12.08.2011 08:56 |
| Story ID: | 81081 |
| Location: | SEATTLE, WA, US |
| Web Views: | 111 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Celebrating 90 years of rich heritage, by Matthew Montgomery, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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