Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) San Diego Executive Director Hortensia "Chachi" Gorman celebrated a prosperous career in government service spanning nearly 33 years, during a retirement ceremony, Jan. 18, in San Diego.

Gorman assumed her leadership role at NAVSUP FLC San Diego in 2014. As executive director, she provided leadership to more than 850 military and civilian employees across eight sites throughout the Navy's southwest region. Additionally, as the senior civilian adviser to the commanding officer, she provided professional, technical and resource management advice on all operational matters and policy development affecting the command mission.

"These past 33 years meant having a sense of purpose. This was never just a job. It was service to my country, the Navy, and our military, for which I have the utmost respect and admiration. These 33 years meant empowerment and satisfaction. I was blessed early in my federal career to get involved in projects and hold positions where I could influence change and make a difference. They meant mental stimulation and learning, a clear path to success, wonderful professional relationships and endless possibilities."

Previously, she served as comptroller for NAVSUP Global Logistics Support, where she was charged with financial management and budget responsibility for the command and its eight logistics centers worldwide.

Gorman's career led her to serve under 19 commanding officers at four different Navy commands. During that time, she led and participated in numerous financial system implementations, to include Navy Enterprise Resource Planning, functional transfers, insourcing and outsourcing initiatives, and the creation of new and emerging logistics capabilities overseas. Her leadership in organizational restructuring and workload realignments, in addition to her involvement in financial improvement and audit readiness initiatives, has resulted in significant savings and process improvements.

"I trust her implicitly, especially with anything affecting our most important asset: our people," said Commanding Officer Capt. Michelle Morse. "She's been responsible for ensuring we remained responsive to environmental changes, capitalized on market opportunities, ensured the optimum use of our resources, and that we applied innovative solutions to changing requirements and operations. And she made it all look easy."

A San Diego native and National University graduate, Gorman began her profession with the United States Federal Civil Service in 1985. From there, her career was built on decades of stalwart service and a reputation for excellence, which earned her numerous professional awards and accolades along the way.

"Ms. Gorman's superior performance of duty highlights the culmination of 33 years of honorable and dedicated service to the nation and the Department of the Navy," said Morse. "Her efforts have left a lasting legacy [on] this command, and on all who have had the absolute pleasure of working alongside her."

Gorman's personal awards include a Navy Superior Civilian Service Award, a Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award, two Assistant Secretary of the Navy Financial Management Achievement Awards, an Under Secretary of Defense Financial Management Achievement Award, a Meritorious Performance Award from the American Society of Military Comptrollers, and numerous Special Act, performance, and team awards and commendations.

"It has been a marvelous journey full of challenges, changes, good news, bad news, successes, losses and new beginnings," said Gorman. "Throughout this journey in government service, there has been one constant, and that constant is change. I believe in my heart that the federal workforce is one of the most resilient groups in the world. We are tough, we take care of each other, and we prevail."

NAVSUP FLC San Diego, one of eight fleet logistics centers under NAVSUP Global Logistics Support (GLS), provides operational logistics, business and support services to fleet, shore and industrial commands of the Navy, Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command, and other joint and allied forces. Services include contracting, regional transportation, fuel, material management, household goods movement support, postal and consolidated mail, warehousing, global logistics and husbanding, hazardous material management, and integrated logistics support.

NAVSUP GLS provides global logistics for a global Navy. The organization is made up of more than 6,300 military and civilian logistics professionals operating from 105 locations worldwide, providing an extensive array of integrated global logistics and contracting services to Navy, Marine Corps, joint operational units, and allied forces across all warfare enterprises.

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