YOKOSUKA, Japan –
Navy Cdr. Allen Rivera relinquished command of Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Yokosuka, Japan, to Navy Cdr. Horacio “Jack” Tan, in a virtual ceremony held May 22.
Navy Capt. Kristin Aquavella, commander, DLA Indo-Pacific, virtually officiated the ceremony from her command at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
The virtual ceremony was conducted due to the current health threat posed by the worldwide pandemic COVID-19. Social distancing and travel restriction procedures in place prevent large gatherings. Therefore, virtual events are required for these types of formal ceremonies.
Rivera distinguished himself by providing outstanding meritorious service as DDYJ’s Commander from March 2018 to May 2020. During this period, he made significant contributions to DLA and the warfighter while leading a diverse workforce of over 340 Japanese Nationals, 40 United States Civil Servants, and 30 Navy Sailors. Rivera displayed tremendous leadership in the management of 22 multi-commodity facilities in five geographical locations in Japan that included more than 52,000 line items of material valued at more than $326 million.
In her remarks, Aquavella praised Rivera’s accomplishments during his tenure as commander of DDYJ.
"A.J., you can get the warfighter what they need when they need it, with a 98% accuracy rate. DDYJ is a hard-working, high-performing team. You have successfully steered your organization to success."
With Rivera’s oversight of the Safety and Radiological and Environmental program, DDYJ saw a 52% reduction in total accidents, a 68% reduction in property damage incidents, a 67 % reduction in material handling equipment incidents and a 63% reduction in vehicle incidents.
Under Rivera’s command, DDYJ produced 13 military promotions, five Global Distribution Excellence winners, 19 Employee/Sailor of the Quarter/Year selections, a 100% retention rate and zero Physical Fitness Assessment failures.
During the virtual ceremony, Capt. Aquavella awarded Rivera the Joint Service Commendation Medal for his many achievements.
In his last address to the DDYJ workforce Rivera said, “"I have been successful at DDYJ because of all of you--through your hard work and consistency every day. It has been a great honor to work alongside you."
Cdr. Tan takes the helm of DDYJ following a successful completion of his duties as Operations Officer at Navy Supply Fleet Logistics Center Yokosuka, Japan.
"I am grateful to Rear Adm. Jones and Capt. Acquavella for trusting me with this tremendous position,” said Tan.
Originally from Manila, Philippines, Tan migrated and joined the Navy in Bremerton, Washington, in January 1987 and advanced through the enlisted ranks as aviation storekeeper chief petty officer in 1997. He obtained his commission through the Supply Corps Limited Duty Officer program in March 1999.
Prior to his commission as an ensign, Tan was the supply response section chief petty officer in the aviation support division onboard the USS Carl Vinson. Other duty assignments during his enlisted career were USS Abraham Lincoln, USS Independence, Fleet Accounting and Disbursing Center Pacific and Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron-116. Tan has deployed twice onboard the USS Ranger.
Upon commission and completion of the Basic Qualification Course at Navy Supply Corps School in Athens, Georgia, Tan reported onboard the USS Rainer as the sales, disbursing, and postal officer in his first year, and then as food service and wardroom officer in his last two years onboard.
Other duty assignments during his officer career were, port services and supply officer, Naval Support Activity Gaeta, Italy; aviation support division officer, principal assistant for services, and principal assistant for logistics onboard the USS Nimitz; training and inspection officer, Afloat Logistics Readiness Policy, Commander Naval Air Forces, Pacific and individual augmentee as Logistics and Resources staff officer in Baghdad, Iraq at Joint Contracting Command-Iraq/Afghanistan in 2007-2008.
In 2009, Tan returned to the USS Carl Vinson as the principal assistant for logistics during the South America transit for change of homeport from Norfolk, Virginia, to San Diego, California, then he transitioned as the assistant supply officer during the 2010-2011 Western Pacific deployment; moreover, he was assigned as supply officer for Naval Special Warfare Support Activity One at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, California; furthermore, he was a Command and Staff College student at Marine Corps University; finally as director, Ashore and Afloat Policy, Training and Inspections for Commander Naval Air Force Pacific, prior to his last assignment as operations officer at Naval Supply System Command, Fleet Logistics Center, Yokosuka.
Tan has a Bachelor of Science in Workforce Education and Development, graduated Magna cum Laude, from Southern Illinois University; Graduate Course of Study in Autism from National University; and Masters in Military Studies from Marine Corps University.
His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, five Navy Commendation Medals, Joint Achievement Medal, five Navy Achievement Medals, and various campaign and service ribbons. He is qualified as a Surface Warfare Supply Corps Officer and Naval Aviation Supply Officer.