On April 1, the Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) celebrated 73 years of serving Sailors and their families. NEXCOM can trace its roots back to the 1800s when Sailors had to depend on “bumboats” that moored alongside their ships to buy personal items. However, it wasn’t until April 1, 1946, that Navy leadership officially created a command to handle the necessary retail business within the Navy.

“For 73 years, NEXCOM associates have been taking care of Sailors and their families around the world,” said retired Rear Adm. Robert J. Bianchi, chief executive officer of NEXCOM. “Since our inception in 1946, 100 percent of NEX profits have gone to improving quality of life for military families worldwide, providing over $3.6 billion to MWR. We are proud of the support we provide to the most deserving customers in the world and look forward to serving them for many years to come!”

NEXCOM encompasses six business lines including NEX store locations, the Navy Lodge Program, Ships Store Program, the Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility, Uniform Program Management Office and the Telecommunications Program Office. Its mission is to provide quality goods and services at a savings to its authorized customers and to support Navy quality of life programs for active duty military, retirees, reservists and their families.

NEXCOM headquarters and NEX locations worldwide will mark the momentous anniversary with cake cutting events, promotions, sales and more.

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For more news from Navy Exchange Service Command, visit www.navy.mil/.