NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa. –
Ohio native Navy Cmdr. Jeretta “Jetta” Dillon took command of DLA Distribution Bahrain from outgoing commander Navy Cmdr. Joseph H. Peth in a change of command ceremony held Dec. 9.
Navy Capt. Tim Griffin, commander, Naval Supply Systems Command, Fleet Logistics Center Bahrain, stepped in as the ceremony host, representing Army Col. Hattie Richardson, commander, Defense Logistics Agency United States Central Command and United States Special Operations Command, who could not be present due to COVID-19 travel restrictions in place.
Richardson provided her remarks via prerecorded video message and noted significant standout achievements during Peth’s tenure. “Joe successfully led Distribution Bahrain through a complex pandemic environment – as we know ‘the Covid-19 crisis.’ He worked diligently and patiently with his higher command and support contractors to adapt to new logistics challenges — developing and implementing alternative regional distribution plans and methods to ensure uninterrupted warfighter sustainment support and managing operational risk as borders closed throughout the region.”
“Joe’s performance during his tour of duty has been phenomenal and has exceeded the standard for Defense Logistics Agency and our warfighters. As he heads to Naval Supply Systems Command in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, he leaves DLA Distribution Bahrain with a legacy of exceptional leadership and resourcefulness,” said Richardson.
Peth was awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal for his outstanding achievements as DLA Distribution Bahrain commander from June 2019 to December 2020, in support of Operations Freedom’s Sentinel and Inherent Resolve. During this period, Peth’s extraordinary leadership and exceptional creativity resulted in substantial contributions to the readiness of United States Armed Forces. He effectively led a cohesive and multi-functional workforce of 83 logistics professionals across multiple locations and successfully expanded the theater’s only Enterprise forward-positioned stock to 20,400-line items valued at $132 million.
Peth’s efforts provided an agile distribution network that delivered effective and efficient solutions that maximized mission readiness, extended operational reach, and sustained force lethality to all Service components operating in the United States Central Command area of responsibility. His superlative focus and direction helped execute the Trans-Arabian Network transportation contract, moving more than 3,300 tons of Warfighter mission-critical requirements valued at more than $29 million.
Dillon, replacing Peth at the helm of DLA Distribution Bahrain, enlisted in the Navy in October 1993 as a seaman recruit. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from St. Leo University in 2000. Dillon commissioned as an ensign through Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Florida, in April 2001, and holds a Master of Business Administration from The College of William and Mary.
Her previous enlisted assignments include mess management specialist at Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Crete; Patron One, Whidbey Island, Washington; and Naval Air Station Key West, Florida.
Dillon’s previous assignment was as the executive officer for Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center Bahrain. Her operational assignments include, plankowner and disbursing and sales officer aboard USS Preble and supply officer aboard USS Ross. During these tours she participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Her shore assignments include information technology intern at Naval Supply Information Systems Activity Det. Norfolk, Virginia; configuration officer at Commander, Naval Surface Forces Atlantic; requirements analyst for Special Programs, deputy executive officer to the commander, United States Special Operations Command; and full financial statement audit lead for Inventory and Operating Materials and Supplies at Naval Operations for Fleet Readiness and Logistics (OPNAV N4) in support of congressional mandate and Acting Secretary of Defense requirements.
Dillon’s personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), Joint Achievement Medal, Navy Achievement Medal (four awards), Navy Good Conduct (two awards), Joint Meritorious Unit Award, and various other campaign medals and unit awards. She is a qualified Surface Warfare Supply Corps officer, Joint Specialty officer and a member of the Navy Acquisition Professional Community.
Dillon is a qualified Level II in Life Cycle Logistics, Information Technology, and Project Management under the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act. She is a certified Project Management Professional and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt.