[extraordinary]
NOT SELF, BUT COUNTRY The man in charge of the U.S. Navy’s supply chain
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by Karen Gross ith his understated demeanor and downto-earth manner, it’s a bit hard to believe Rear Adm. Peter Stamatopoulos ‘88 (BBA) is in charge of the U.S. Navy’s entire supply chain. But as commander of the Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP), Stamatopoulos runs a $35 billion business. He oversees more than 22,000 personnel, both military and civilian, and commands 11 subordinate organizations around the globe. In addition,
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he serves as the Navy’s 49th Chief of the Supply Corps, responsible for the leadership development and career path of more than 2,000 Navy supply corps officers and some 20,000 enlisted sailors. “In simple terms, NAVSUP is responsible for ensuring that the sailors on board our aircraft, ships, submarines and expeditionary forces, whether they’re at home or at sea, get what they need,” he says. “They need parts, they need food, fuel
equipment and services to meet Navy missions and to assure their units are ready to respond when needed.” But that’s not all. Stamatopoulos also oversees the Navy Exchange system, which provides lodging and retail operations for all active duty, reserve forces and retirees and their family members. “Shopping, dining, hotels, barbershops, hair salons and other retail services,” he adds. “So it’s quite a large organization, fo-
cused specifically on sailor and family care.” A third generation San Diegan, he didn’t come from a career military family, though his father served in the Navy Supply Corps during the Korean War and his uncles served in World War ll. “I always knew I wanted to be a naval officer,” he says. “I wanted to be of service to the country. But I was only thinking of doing it for maybe three or four years. I never contemplated making it a lifelong career.” More than three decades later, Stamatopoulos is USD’s highest-ranking military alumnus. During his long and illustrious career, he has deployed around the globe aboard submarines, amphibious assault ships and aircraft carriers. Just prior to his appointment as NAVSUP commander, he served as director of
