Richmond, Va. –
Air Force Brig. Gen. David Sanford relinquished command to Air Force Brig. Gen. Sean Tyler June 30, making Tyler the 34th commander of Defense Logistics Agency Aviation during a Change of Command ceremony in the Frank B. Lotts Conference Center at Defense Supply Center Richmond, Virginia. Sanford, who was selected for major general, will be director of logistics, engineering and force protection for Headquarters Air Mobility Command at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois.
DLA Director Navy Vice Admiral Michelle Skubic officiated the ceremony.
“There are not many priorities more important to America’s security efforts than providing equipment and parts to maintain our nation’s military aircraft…our fighting power.” said Skubic. “And you are in the thick of that day in and day out. You do so much, so thank you, for what each and every one of you do.”
Skubic presented Sanford the Defense Superior Service Medal For his outstanding service as commander of DLA Aviation since taking command July 2019 - July 2022, and provided his wife, Rhonda Sanford, a certificate of appreciation for her support during her husband’s command.
Sanford bid farewell to the workforce and thanked them for their support during his time in command.
“What a phenomenal group of hardworking, dedicated individuals … it has been my absolute honor and crowning point in my career to serve with each of you. Teamwork, collaboration, relationship building, empathy, respect, and commitment have been the ingredient to our success. I honestly believe there is nothing this team cannot accomplish when given the task. Thank you teammates and I will miss you all,” Sanford said before transferring responsibility to Tyler.
Skubic welcomed Tyler to command of DLA Aviation saying he has a diverse logistics background, both in command and staff positions, and from both tactical and strategic levels.
“Sean served at DLA Headquarters from 2015 to 2017,” Skubic said. “He knows DLA. He walks in the door with credibility, understanding DLA and already having forged connections across our DLA leadership team.”
Tyler previously served as the Director for Logistics, Engineering and Force Protection, Headquarters Pacific Air Forces, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Honolulu, Hawaii, where he was responsible for the oversight, policy, guidance, training, and resources in support of 45,000 Pacific Air Forces personnel in 10 wings and three Numbered Air Forces. He also served with DLA Headquarters, Fort Belvoir, Virginia as the Executive Officer to the DLA Director, and the Chief of Staff, DLA Acquisition.
“I’m very excited to take this new position,” said Tyler. I am fully committed to supporting our DLA Director’s intent, the agency’s strategic plans, maintain and enhance readiness for our military service and combatant commands. As our Department of Defense continues to transition to a peer competitor focus, I am personally committed to aggressively identifying and removing any barriers to our abilities to deliver.” he said.