Cheyney University Honors NAVSUP With Outreach Award

By Tim Christmann, Naval Supply Systems Command Public Affairs

MECHANICSBURG, Pa. (NNS) -- Cheyney University presented Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) with an Outreach Award during commencement ceremonies May 8.

Capt. Robert Gilbeau, deputy commander for aviation at NAVSUP's Naval Inventory Control Point, in Philadelphia, Pa., accepted the honor on behalf of Rear Adm. Mike Lyden, NAVSUP commander, in front of an audience of more than 2,000 people, including 342 graduates.

The university presented the award to recognize NAVSUP for their recruiting efforts and hiring 14 Cheyney graduates over the past seven years.

The command's hiring of the graduates is a testament to Cheyney University and to NAVSUP's commitment to a diverse workforce, which contributes to the strength of our great nation, said Dr. Michelle Howard-Vital, university president.

NAVSUP's Commander's Guidance includes a Strategic Focus Area called "Strategy for Our People," which promotes a mission-focused, highly skilled, and diverse workforce.

"It is a great honor to receive this award," said Lyden. "The NAVSUP workforce is a talented, dedicated cadre of professionals who have chosen a lifestyle of service. The challenge is not just ensuring we have the right workforce for today's needs, but also for tomorrow's, by anticipating future requirements and preparing to meet them with new hires from our superb partners such as Cheyney University."

NAVSUP's primary mission is to provide U.S. naval forces with quality supplies and services. With headquarters in Mechanicsburg, Pa., and employing a diverse, worldwide workforce of more than 22,500 military and civilian personnel, NAVSUP oversees logistics programs in the areas of supply operations, conventional ordnance, contracting, resale, fuel, transportation, and security assistance. In addition, NAVSUP is responsible for quality of life issues for our naval forces, including food service, postal services, Navy Exchanges, and movement of household goods.