SASEBO, Japan –
Army Brig. Gen. John S. Laskodi, DLA Distribution commanding general, hosted a reenlistment ceremony for material management noncommissioned officer Navy Logistics Specialist 1st Class Juliber C. Fernandez on May 16. Fernandez is the leading petty officer of DLA Distribution Sasebo, Japan. Fernandez earned his B.S. in business management at Centro Escolar University, Manila, Philippines in 1999. He is currently working on his degree in business administration. Fernandez is from Porterville, California and enlisted in the Navy in 2010. He attended boot camp at Great Lakes, Illinois and A school for logistics supply in Meridian, Mississippi. His first command was the USS Howard (DDG 83) stationed in San Diego, California from 2010 to 2015. During his tour, he deployed in the AOR of 7th fleet from December 2013 to July 2014 and 5th fleet from April 2011 to October 2011 where he conducted various operations from patrolling, counter piracy, anti-submarine warfare mission, bi-lateral exercise and Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training with multiple nations. His personal awards include Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2) and various service ribbons.
Fernandez remarked about the personal satisfaction he has in becoming a leader and role model. He extended thanks to his shipmates who provided mentorship to him and thanked his wife and young son for their support. “Fernandez has a promising future with the Navy and I know he will do great things while he’s at DLA Distribution,” said Laskodi.
Laskodi also presented a Global Distribution Excellence award to Mr. Yasutaka Fujimatsu, general supply specialist at DLA Distribution Yokosuka, Japan. Fujimatsu was recognized as the DLA Distribution transportation management civilian supervisor of the year. Fujimatsu supervises 20 local national employees, two military and one civilian. He and his team successfully demonstrated resiliency in the face of the challenges the detachment has encountered over the past year. In addition to many major materiel out-loading evolutions, high-priority items, and leading a safety-minded team with zero mishaps throughout the year, Fujimatsu’s constant monitoring and quality control checks led to a minimal internal audit finding.
In conclusion, Laskodi gave brief remarks to the workforce about what he’s focused on. Laskodi highlighted safety, audit readiness, mission command and modernization as his top priorities. He also thanked CAPT Tim Daniels, DLA Pacific Commander, who attended the event, for his assistance with synchronizing communications throughout the Pacific. He thanked the workforce for all they do every day for our nation. “We are extremely thankful for the friendship between the U.S. and the country of Japan and I am grateful for your support to the Warfighter,” said Laskodi.