NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY BAHRAIN, Bahrain –
The Defense Logistics Agency Energy Middle East Supplier Operations commander retired after 24 years in the United States Air Force during a ceremony Aug. 7.
During his retirement ceremony, Air Force Maj. Douglas Saab expressed his gratitude to his friends, coworkers and family for their support over the past 24 years.
“Thank you to the United States Air Force for giving me the opportunity to serve our nation,” Saab said.
Saab joined the DLA Energy Middle East team in July 2014. In his position, he provided fuel management through a robust petroleum network, the employment of strategically dispersed bulk petroleum facilities and synchronization and maintenance of multiple support arrangements. By working with the Department of State he helped ensure the ability of component commanders to execute combat operations and theater engagement for U.S. Central Command forces in support of Operation New Dawn, Enduring Freedom, Freedom’s Sentinel and Inherent Resolve.
“They are an exceptional group of petroleum professionals; they really care about saving taxpayer dollars and are very good at what they do,” Saab said. “It has been my honor to serve with them.”
Saab’s leadership and expertise will be missed as he moves on to the next chapter in his life, said Jack Whitaker, DLA Energy Middle East Supplier Operations deputy commander. Fortunately, he will be at the new defense fuel support point in Salalah, Oman.
Originally from Maracay, Venezuela, Saab started his career in 1991 when he enlisted in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and then moved with his family to Idaho to join the 366th Supply Squadron at Mountain Home Air Force Base. After his first completed tour, Saab and his family continued their world travels in Italy with the Communications Squadrons at Aviano Air Base. Shortly after, he applied and was selected for Officer Training School at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, and commissioned in March 2000.
Saab’s previous assignments included 7th Logistics Readiness Squadron director of Operations at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas; 305th (Provisional) Logistics Readiness Squadron at McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey; Joint Task Force-Bravo at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras; the 6th Logistics Readiness Squadron at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida; the Spanish Air Force Academy, San Javier, Spain; Headquarters U.S. European Command J-4 staff, Stuttgart, Germany and the 7th Logistics Readiness Squadron at Dyess Air Force Base.