NEXCOM Celebrates 70 Years of Serving the Navy Family
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- Navy Exchange Service Command can trace its roots back to the 1800s when Sailors had to depend on "bumboats" that moored alongside their ships to buy personal items. It wasn't until April 1, 1946, that Navy leadership officially created a command to handle the necessary retail business within the Navy. "We've come a long way since those early days," said retired Rear Adm. Robert J. Bianchi, chief executive officer, NEXCOM. "From bumboats and slop chests to a world-class retail business, NEXCOM delivers what our Navy families need, wherever they are stationed." Today, 70 years after its official establishment, NEXCOM provides oversight for 100 NEX complexes made up of more than 300 individual stores, 39 Navy Lodges, 134 ships stores, the Navy Clothing Textile and Research Facility, Uniform Program Management Office, and Telecommunications Program Office. NEXCOM's 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. "While our look may have changed over the years, our mission and commitment to premier customer service has not and that is evident each and every day at each and every location," said Bianchi. "NEX customers can expect to see us reinforce the important value of their NEX benefit during the month of April, in celebration of 70 years of excellence," said Rich Honiball, NEXCOM's senior vice president, chief merchandising and marketing officer. "Our team is working on special events, products, and offers that I think our customers will appreciate."