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News | June 19, 2020

Exit Interview with Land and Maritime Chief of Staff

By Michael Jones DLA Land and Maritime Public Affairs

Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime will complete a changeover this month in its Chief of Staff position, a critical leadership component in ensuring successful daily operations. Outgoing Chief of Staff U.S. Air Force Col. Janette D. Ketchum is transitioning to her next command challenge as the pace of military moves picks up amid the COVID-19 environment.

Ketchum shared some experiences prior to her permanent change of station (see below):

What were your thoughts when you heard about your DLA assignment and your thoughts/feelings after you arrived?
I was excited about my assignment to DLA Land and Maritime here in Columbus.  I’ve learned quite a lot about DLA and the fourth estate and I’m amazed with the scope of our mission and the caliber of our people…their dedication is admirable – they take “Warfighter First” to heart.

Did you achieve most of your objectives and what was/were your most identifying achievement(s)?
As a team, we’ve accomplished quite a bit. We’ve worked to improve processes related to the recruiting, onboarding, training, managing, supervising, leading, caring for and developing of our workforce.  Recently, the COVID pandemic has presented us with a new set of challenges, which we have overcome.  The health and safety of personnel across DSCC while they perform their mission remains the top priority.

Did you glean anything new to take to your next assignment?
I’m grateful for the great people I’ve met and worked with, as well as the deeper knowledge I’ve gained regarding the fourth estate writ large, DLA and its mission and the civilian personnel system. Most importantly, I’ve gained a broader perspective on leadership…Land and Maritime’s most senior leaders are second-to-none and I’m grateful and proud to have been a part of the Command Deck team!

Next challenge?
I’m headed off to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, DoD’s only tri-Service joint base to be the 87th Wing’s Mission Support Group Commander.