Navy Capt. Tim Daniels relinquished his command of Defense Logistics Agency Pacific in a July 10 ceremony at Nob Hill on historic Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
DLA Director of Logistics Operations Air Force Maj. Gen. Mark Johnson presided and presented the command’s colors to the incoming commander, Navy Capt. Kristin Acquavella, before an audience of family, friends, distinguished guests and DLA Pacific region coworkers.
“Capt. Daniels came to Oahu at an interesting time, taking over as the first DLA Pacific commander following DLA’s Command and Control transition, which made this organization the single face for warfighter support across our nation’s largest regional combatant command.” Johnson said.
“He demonstrated transformational leadership that proved invaluable in helping his team as well as people in other agencies embrace and support this new construct while building strong partnerships across all DLA commands supporting the Pacific theater,” Johnson continued.
Johnson emphasized some accomplishments of Capt. Daniels and his team during his tenure in the Pacific. “DLA Pacific expanded its support to the warfighter. His efforts led Lt. Gen. Williams to approve a DLA Distribution site in Iwakuni to support Marine Corps and Navy aviation moves to the larger base. “This initiative saved valuable time through reduced delivery times of critical parts,” he noted.
In addition, “Tim’s leadership also ensured the Single Point Mooring Buoy in Okinawa was repaired ahead of schedule, restoring fuel operations there to fully mission capable. He provided oversight of a second fuel pipeline in Guam that doubled the fuel capacity at Andersen Air Force Base, significantly enhancing their ability to generate increased sorties during contingencies,” the general said.
Johnson concluded by thanking Daniels for his remarkable job. “Tim, it’s been extremely busy over the past couple of years out here,” he said. You and your team have performed admirably. The entire DLA enterprise is going to miss you, but our loss is NAVSUP’s gain. I know you’ll continue to do great things. Thanks for everything you’ve done.”
Daniels thanked his family and the DLA team for their support during his tenure. “Over the last two years, I have worked and lived in the shadow of the heroes represented by these and other memorials across the beautiful island of Oahu.
“To say that I was and am humbled is truly an understatement,” Daniels said. “Each and every day was an opportunity to reflect on the truest meaning of service, sacrifice, and just how precious we must hold our freedom — freedom for which almost 77 years ago the crewmen of the Arizona, Oklahoma and Utah gave their last full measure.
"But it is with the same humility that I stand before you today, reflecting back on the past two years, and express my most sincere thank you to the men and women of DLA that I have had the honor to serve with as Commander, DLA Pacific.”
Johnson welcomed Acquavella to her new command and emphasized the potential and her excellent track record.
“Kristin was a winner before she graduated from the University of North Carolina,” the general recalled. “In addition to completing the ROTC requirements to earn her commission, she played on the Lady Tarheels soccer team that won four NCAA championships.
“She hasn’t stopped winning since then” he said. “Capt. Aquavella has completed four tours at sea, including as the Aviation Repairable Officer and Material Officer aboard the USS Carl Vinson. Ashore, she’s served at multiple levels of responsibility, from taking care of her fellow Supply Corps personnel at Navy Personnel Command to serving as the Deputy Force Supply Officer and Carrier Strike Group Readiness Officer for Naval Air Force Atlantic. Additionally, she served as the Contracting Officer for Multi-National Forces-Iraq.”
As the new DLA Pacific commander, “your personal example, moral responsibility, and judicious attention to the welfare of your team are the cornerstones for your success,” Johnson said. “I’m confident you won’t let them down.”
The ceremony concluded with the passing of the organization colors from Daniels to Acquavella, marking the beginning of new leadership and Acquavella’s acceptance of responsibility for the command’s mission.