Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Tristan Lotz | 210408-N-ME396-1012 GROTON, Conn. (April 8, 2021) Naval Submarine Base (SUBASE) New...... read more read more
GROTON, Conn. – Staff and patrons assembled in the Naval Submarine Base (SUBASE) New London Navy Exchange (NEX) food court for a cake cutting to celebrate the 75th birthday of the Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM), April 8.
“Today we have the opportunity to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Navy Exchange and also the tremendous work that NEX New London does punching well above its weight in taking care of our Sailors and their families,” said NEX General Manager David Lewis.
With origins going back to canteens operated aboard Navy ships, the modern day NEX stores and system are the result of the recommendations from a 1945 service committee formed to study Navy resale activities. Led by Capt. Wheelock H. Bingham, a Supply Corps Officer in the Naval Reserves, the committee recommended that all resale activities be operated like a large chain of retail stores and that a central office be established to oversee their operation. The Navy Ship’s Store Office stood up in Brooklyn, New York, on April 1, 1946, and the Navy Exchange system was born.
“The SUBASE Navy Exchange carries on an enduring legacy of Navy Exchange assistance and benefits, and a philosophy of teamwork, inside and out, to deliver sustained superior service to their customers and our entire Navy New London community,” said SUBASE New London Command Master Chief Kellen Voland, who spoke at the event. “Every member at every level of the organization is committed to more than customer service. They view their work not just as a job, but also as a way of serving our Navy and our nation, and making a difference. I think that’s a characteristic and quality not often found in today’s retail world.”
From NEX staff gathered for the celebration, Voland and Lewis selected Kevin Rowan, an Exchange associate of 31 years, and Alison Covington, an associate of just two months, to cut the cake.
“It’s been a privilege to do this for so long,” said Rowan, whose father served in the Navy for 24 years, including aboard a ship sunk at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. “A lot of people have come and gone. A lot of people I knew as junior Sailors are now senior enlisted or officers.”
NEXCOM transitioned over time as well and today encompasses six business lines, including: NEX stores, the Navy Lodge Program, Ships Store Program, the Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility, Uniform Program Management Office, and the Telecommunications Program Office. In addition to providing quality goods and services at a savings to its authorized customers, NEXCOM supports Navy quality of life programs for active duty military, retirees, reservists, veterans, and families.
For Lewis, the NEXCOM anniversary celebration is a special opportunity to thank patrons.
“The team here is so excited about what’s ahead and everything going on here on the base,” said Lewis. “We’re happy to take care of our Sailors.”
Patron appreciation promotions include a NEXCOM virtual 5K race, the #RunforFamily Virtual 5K, in partnership with MWR Navy Fitness, taking place April 8 - 11. Registration is now open at NEXtLevel5k.com and is free for all authorized patrons. The first 1,500 participants will receive a commemorative race medal by mail.
At the end of April, NEXCOM is virtually hosting a 3-day music series featuring artists such as Aly & AJ, Jake Miller, Allie Sherlock, Walker Hayes, Conner Youngblood, and more.
For more information on products, promotions, and services offered by NEXCOM and at the SUBASE New London NEX, call 860-446-5400 or go to https://www.mynavyexchange.com/.
| Date Taken: | 04.08.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 04.08.2021 15:56 |
| Story ID: | 393377 |
| Location: | GROTON, CONNECTICUT, US |
| Web Views: | 247 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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