The 50th Chief of Supply Corps and Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Commander, Rear Adm. Ken Epps, hosted a wreath laying ceremony Oct. 10, 2025, at the burial site of Tench Francis, Jr., at Christ Church Burial Ground in Old City, Philadelphia.
In 1795, President George Washington appointed Francis to become the nation and Navy’s first Purveyor of Public Supplies, an action that created the Navy Supply Corps. Francis’ responsibilities involved centralizing procurement of ship building and repair materials for the U.S. Navy’s first fleet of ships.
Epps’ remarks focused on how far the Navy and Supply Corps have developed since its inception with Francis’ appointment.
“For 250 years our Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom, in search of prosperity and security, deterring aggression and protecting our way of life,” Epps said. “From seaside to space, today’s Navy delivers peace through strength, always ready to fight and win. NAVSUP and the Supply Corps are our Navy and Marine Corps’ primary sustainment force generation enablers for the ships, aircraft and submarines that our Warfighters take out in harm’s way every day. All of that starts with supply.”
Other Official Party members who joined Epps included Brig. Gen. Shannon Brown, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing assistant wing commander, Capt. Juan Carlos Uribe, NAVSUP Business Systems Center commanding officer, and Capt. Robert Christian, U.S. Fleet Forces chaplain.
In his remarks, Master of Ceremonies, Capt. (ret.) Joe Dunn, SC, provided biographical information and historical context about Francis’ life, service and legacy.
“While the name ‘Tench Francis’ may not be as easily recognized as other names such as George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and Commodores Bainbridge and Barry, his contributions to our nation’s Navy were foundational,” said Dunn. “It is right that we recognize and honor him today.”
For his service to the nation, Francis was buried prominently in Philadelphia alongside some of the founders of the U.S. Navy and seven signers of the Declaration of Independence, including Benjamin Franklin.
This year, the Navy celebrates its 250th birthday with a series of commemorative events, public engagements and performances, many of which take place in early October in Philadelphia. These activities showcase the strength and importance of the Navy to national security and aim to inspire a new generation of Americans to take up the call to serve their country.
NAVSUP and the Navy Supply Corps’ wreath laying ceremony was the only commemorative event in Philadelphia that was entirely focused on the history and heritage of the Navy Supply Corps, its current role in Warfighter readiness and to NAVSUP’s global logistics mission.
Headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, NAVSUP employs a diverse, worldwide workforce of more than 25,000 military and civilian personnel. NAVSUP and the Navy Supply Corps conduct and enable supply chain, acquisition, operational logistics, and Sailor and family care activities with mission partners to generate readiness, sustain naval forces worldwide, and prevent and decisively win wars.
| Date Taken: | 10.15.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 10.15.2025 13:54 |
| Story ID: | 550177 |
| Location: | PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA, US |
| Web Views: | 61 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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