The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) has initiated a series of immersive tours aimed at enhancing employee understanding of the agency's mission and its connection to military operations. These tours, which include visits to military museums and bases, are designed to bridge the gap between new employees and the military customers they serve. The program has been well-received, with participants gaining a deeper appreciation for the DLA's role in supporting military operations. The initiative is part of a broader effort to address cultural shifts identified in a recent employee survey, which highlighted a disconnect between new employees and the military. The tours are expected to expand in the coming year.

Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime forward presence associates convened at Defense Supply Center Columbus for the annual Maritime Customer Operations training event. The event emphasized the importance of building relationships, exchanging information, and understanding both agency and military customer perspectives. Key discussions included the DLA's 2025-2030 Strategic Plan, aimed at addressing military pressures and improving readiness. The 'Back to Basics' initiative was introduced to enhance internal operations and support the warfighter. Participants engaged in problem-solving sessions and networking activities to strengthen communication and collaboration.

Maritime Supplier Operations' USS FMS secured victory at the annual Navy Regatta held at the Defense Supply Center Columbus, marking their second consecutive win. The event, organized by the Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime, celebrated the Navy's 249th birthday with a cardboard boat race. Thirteen teams participated, with the USS FMS emerging as the champion, followed by Team Danger Zone and USS Happens. The event featured themed boats, a barrage of water balloons, and awards for spirit and creativity. The regatta highlighted the Navy's focus on warfighting strength and readiness, with a ceremonial kickoff and cake cutting.

The Defense Federal Choir, a longstanding gospel group at the Defense Supply Center Columbus, has continued to foster community and connection through music despite challenges posed by the pandemic. Led by director Donna Walker Griffin, the choir has a rich history of performing across Columbus and engaging with the local community. The group, which includes federal employees from various departments, is known for its inspirational performances and was recently honored as Gospel Choir of the Year by the 100 Black Women Columbus Chapter. The choir is actively seeking new members and aims to return to more frequent performances on the installation.

Jill Watson, Director of Air Force Metrology and Calibration, addressed the importance of women's equality in federal service during the Women's Equality Day program at the Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime. She emphasized the ongoing journey towards equality, highlighting historical figures like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Watson stressed the need for empowerment, collective action, and virtues such as loyalty and tenacity to achieve equitable outcomes. The event, hosted by the Federal Women’s Program and Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity Office, commemorated the Women's Suffrage Movement and the 19th Amendment.

The Eagle Eye Golf Course at Defense Supply Center Columbus has been designated as a Monarchs in the Rough official habitat site for monarch butterflies, a program by Audubon International and the Environmental Defense Fund. This initiative, part of a broader effort to create pollinator habitats, aims to address the decline in monarch populations by establishing breeding grounds along their migration route. The program involves planting milkweed, essential for monarch caterpillars, and transforming golf course areas into prairie habitats. The initiative highlights the importance of environmental conservation and community involvement in preserving threatened species.

Colleen Marshall, a local television news anchor for NBC4, headlined a Women's History Month event at the Defense Supply Center Columbus, emphasizing the theme 'Women in the Workplace, a Force for Change.' She shared personal experiences and challenges faced by women in the workforce, highlighting the progress made since the women's liberation movement. Marshall's speech underscored the importance of equal opportunities for women and men in journalism and other fields. The event featured remarks from Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime Commander Army Brig. Gen. Gail Atkins and other officials, celebrating the achievements and perseverance of women in various sectors.

The Pinwheel Parade at the Defense Supply Center Columbus marked its return after two years, aiming to raise awareness about child abuse prevention. Led by key personnel, the event involved children from the Child Development Center parading with pinwheels, supported by DSCC Police and staff. The theme 'All In To End Child Abuse' underscores the Department of Defense's commitment to preventing child abuse within its communities. The event also provided parents with resources to help recognize and prevent abuse.

Usnic acid, a lichen secondary metabolite, is identified as a novel inhibitor of ribosome biogenesis, specifically blocking early nucleolar steps in the assembly of the large ribosomal subunit. The study highlights usnic acid's potential in cancer therapy due to its ability to inhibit ribosome biogenesis, a process often upregulated in tumors. The research provides insights into the mechanistic effects of usnic acid, showing it causes a global shift in nucleolar pre-60S particle populations and blocks the transition of Nsa1-TAP-associated pre-60S particles from state B to C. This inhibition is distinct from TORC1 pathway inhibition and offers a promising avenue for therapeutic development.

Defense Supply Center Columbus (DSCC) was named one of six installations to receive the 2024 Commander in Chief’s Annual Award for Installation Excellence by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III. The award recognizes DSCC's outstanding support of Department of Defense missions, highlighting achievements in energy conservation, security, and environmental measures. DSCC's initiatives include a solar microgrid project and stormwater management improvements. The installation's leadership and community engagement were also commended, with DSCC playing a significant role in local military observances and cultural programming. The Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime, which oversees DSCC, continues to support U.S. military forces globally.