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News | June 17, 2015

Hunter recognized for achievements as first commander of Bahrain distribution center

By DLA Distribution Public Affairs DLA Distribution Public Affairs

Navy Supply Corps Cmdr. Julie M. Hunter has been awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal for her achievements while serving as commander, Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Bahrain, Southwest Asia.

DLA Distribution, Bahrain, Southwest Asia, receives, stores, ships, and issues stock, while providing inventory control, care of stock in storage, packaging, and preservation. Additionally, as a part of this mission, DLA Distribution Bahrain, Southwest Asia provides tailored distribution services through its Material Processing Center. Materiel in storage includes clothing, housekeeping supplies, petroleum products, construction materials, repair parts and component items, and mapping products.

During Hunter’s two year tenure, her capstone accomplishment was standing up DLA Distribution, Bahrain on time and under budget. Her team organized efforts to expand storage space by working with local businesses and locating a 32,000 square foot bulk storage facility. The addition of this facility increased the level of support to the US Navy, by allowing more critical items be stored in this forward location, ultimately increasing readiness for all vessels and commands in the fifth fleet Area of Responsibility.

Hunter actively participated in key strategic planning initiatives that ultimately laid the groundwork for a long-term increased and permanent footprint for all DLA activities in Bahrain at the Mina Salman waterfront area. These efforts will create a "one-stop shop" for all DLA operations directly next to the customers that they support.

Leading a team of civilians, contractors, and third-country nationals, Hunter instilled a culture of responsiveness, collaboration, and DLA professionalism while providing exceptional support to customers throughout the Central Command AOR.

Additionally, she coordinated an effective and focused effort on stewardship initiatives, customer support, and process streamlining that strengthened partnerships. Hunter was able to eliminate the backlog of material receipts, and establish new standards of performance that shaped workforce behavior to achieve performance standards in issues and receipts in the face of increased workload volumes. 

“As the first Commander of the Central Command Area of Responsibility’s newest distribution center, Julie has become the subject matter expert on DLA Distribution operations in Southwest Asia.,” said DLA Distribution commander Army Brig. Gen. Richard Dix.