Navy Cmdr. Angela Watson assumed command of Defense Logistics Agency Energy South-West Pacific during a ceremony at the United Service Organization on Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, April 1.
After three years as commander, Navy Capt. Bruce Kong transferred to Scott Air Force Base, Illinois to serve as G3, Operations, at the Army Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command.
“To the men and women of DLA Energy South-West Pacific, it was an honor of a lifetime to be your commander,” Kong said to the attendees. “I depart today with deep personal and professional satisfaction. I’ve witnessed firsthand your determination and dedication to the mission of DLA and to our country. This tour has been the highlight of my professional service.”
Navy Capt. Kristin Acquavella, commander of DLA Indo-Pacific, presided over the ceremony and presented Kong with the Defense Meritorious Service Medal.
"His staunch stewardship directly led to the successful execution of over $13.2 million in Sustainment, Restoration, and Maintenance Program funds, revitalizing the fuel storage and handling infrastructure on Guam and Diego Garcia,” the citation read. “Furthermore, Capt. Kong’s keen oversight of the Guam Cross Island Pipeline project, valued at $67 million, was key to its completion and enhancement of the fuels throughput capability in support of Pacific Command Operation Plans and the Andersen Air Force Base Continuous Bomber Presence mission.”
As Watson steps in, she brings with her years of petroleum management experience as well as knowledge from her previous tenure at DLA Aviation at Richmond, Virginia, from 2005 to 2007.
“From the time I added a fuel specialty to my career, I hoped that I would get the opportunity to work within DLA Energy and be a part of the joint effort in supporting our country’s fuel needs,” Watson said. “I want to thank Capt. Kong for entrusting me to now lead the team that he has done so expertly over the past three years. I know there is no way I can fill your shoes, but know you have provided me with a professional team that will help ensure DLA Energy South-West Pacific will succeed no matter who is in charge.”
Originally established in May 2009 as the Defense Energy Support Center Guam, DLA Energy South-West Pacific’s purpose is to position bulk petroleum stocks closer to areas of strategic importance and enable closer ties to the Warfighter. Today, the regional office is the most geographically dispersed with seven Defense Fuel Support Points holding over 350 million gallons of petroleum stocks at Diego Garcia, Singapore, the Philippines and Guam. Covering over one-quarter of the earth’s surface, DLA Energy South-West Pacific is essential to Warfighter support in the Pacific.