BOSTON – Ocean City, N.J. native, Rear Adm. Jacquelyn “Jackie” McClelland, Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) deputy commander, visited communities across eastern Massachusetts Sept. 10-12 as part of the Navy’s Executive Engagement Visit (EEV) program.
NAVCO oversees a number of community outreach programs, like the EEV Program, that are designed to connect Americans with their Navy by bringing the service’s leaders to cities throughout the country which do not enjoy a significant Navy presence.
Among the eastern Massachusetts citizens she met with during the EEV were leaders in the business, education, nonprofit and government sectors.
“It was deeply rewarding to make lasting connections with local communities,” McClelland said. “Participating in one of NAVCO’s engagement visits opened doors to strengthen the Navy’s relationships with the nation’s communities and build partnerships where we can exchange ideas and continue collaborating well beyond this visit. With strong Navy representation in this part of country, I’m confident these connections will continue to grow long after the EEV.”
She also made time to speak with the newest members of the U.S. Navy enrolled in Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) programs with various schools, including midshipmen enrolled in the Boston University Consortium and high schools in Salem and Haverhill.
“Sometimes the simplest interaction can have the greatest impact, whether it’s encouraging a Junior ROTC cadet to step up and ask a question for the first time or sharing real-life examples of leadership challenges and expectations,” McClelland added. “My goal was to share my experiences and perspectives in a way that helps them grow into the leaders they aspire to be.”
For McClelland, participating in the EEV was an opportunity to raise awareness about the Navy’s and nation’s 250th birthday celebrations taking place nationwide throughout 2025 and 2026, including celebrations scheduled in Philadelphia in October, and in New York City from July 3-8, 2026.
These monumental celebrations will highlight how the Navy has been safeguarding U.S. national security, supporting our allies and partners, sustaining America’s prosperity, and protecting U.S. interests around the globe.
“After nearly 35 years as a supply corps officer, I have seen time and again that our greatest war-fighting advantage isn’t simply our Navy’s ships, weapons systems, submarines, or aircraft — but it’s the people supporting them, providing the power for peace and keeping our Navy always ready to win,” McClelland said. “And as the Navy looks to the future, the men and women of NAVSUP and our supply corps officers will continue to deliver readiness to our war-fighters anywhere they operate across the globe.”
The capstone of McClelland’s engagements in eastern Massachusetts occurred at a professional baseball game during which she was welcomed as a special guest as part of a nationwide military and veteran recognition program.
“My final night of the EEV was one I’ll never forget,” McClelland said. “I was recognized at the Boston Red Sox game in front of 37,000 cheering spectators. The outpouring of patriotism reminded me of how honored I am to serve our country. I was proud to represent the Navy and grateful to eastern Massachusetts communities for hosting me and for their support.”
Headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pa., NAVSUP employs a diverse, worldwide workforce of more than 25,000 military and civilian personnel. NAVSUP and the Navy Supply Corps manage supply chain, acquisition, operational logistics, and sailor and family care activities with mission partners to generate readiness and sustain naval forces worldwide, enabling them to prevent and decisively win wars.
– By By HANNAH RAINEY, U.S. Navy (NAVSUP) Public Affairs/For the Sentinel
PHOTOS courtesy U.S. Navy and MC2 Michael J. Cintron