Defense Logistics Agency CENTCOM & SOCOM Commander Army Col. Hattie Richardson traveled to Naval Support Activity Bahrain during her first CENTCOM regional visit as the regional commander March 14.
After taking command in January, she embarked on an area of operations-wide tour in March to meet and greet DLA personnel and hold meetings with key leaders from CENTCOM's organizations.
During her stop in Bahrain, she met with personnel from DLA Energy Middle East, DLA Distribution, DLA Disposition Services, United States Naval Forces Central Command and the Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center.
“I received insightful briefs from these organizations and gained perspective about how DLA supports the customers in the CENTCOM AOR,” Richardson said.
Richardson hosted a town hall luncheon and expressed her gratitude to the men and women of DLA for their continued dedication to the CENTCOM Warfighters and mission. She praised employees for the positive feedback from customers about the continued support that DLA provides.
Following the luncheon, she highlighted several deserving members for their outstanding achievements and presented awards. Those recognized included DLA Energy Middle East employees of the quarter Cecilia Montoya, Steve Sturgeon and Lys Valladares-Pena. She presented civilian tenure awards to DLA Energy Middle East employees David Andrews for 10 years of service and to Bruce Jones for 40 years of service.
Richardson also recognized two military enlisted members with service medals.
She presented the Honorable Order of Saint Martin Medal to DLA Distribution Army Staff Sgt. Rita Brown. The award is reserved for senior leader quartermaster soldiers and civilians. The award recognizes a select few who stand above their brethren in the honorable order and who have performed conspicuous, long-term service for, or on behalf of, the United States Army Quartermaster Corps.
The commander also recognized DLA Energy Army Capt. Courtney Malone with the Joint Service Commendation Medal for serving as the DLA Energy Middle East petroleum operations officer from April 2018 through April 2019 in support of Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Freedom Sentinel within the CENTCOM AOR.
“It was a quick but fulfilling time during my first trip to the Middle East region,” she added. “I left the region with a deeper appreciation for the DLA logistics professionals serving the CENTCOM Warfighter.”
Richardson also visited personnel in Jordan and concluded her tour in Kuwait.