CAMP WALKER, Korea –
Defense Logistics Agency Commander Air Force Brig. Gen. Martin Chapin focused on strategic customer engagement and employee recognition during his visit to South Korea, Feb. 25-27.
Following visits to DLA Energy Japan and DLA Energy Okinawa, Chapin visited Korea and met with Maj. Gen. Ju Keong Park, Republic of Korea Ministry of National Defense Logistics Readiness Division in Seoul. They discussed collaborative efforts between the Republic of Korea Ministry of Defense and U.S. Department of Defense logistics warfighter support. Chapin received briefings on the Trans Korean Pipeline and efforts to improve fuel infrastructure and readiness with the U.S. Forces Korea deputy chief of staff and the 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command.
Chapin’s battlefield circulation through the Pacific Command area of responsibility strengthens service and combatant command readiness and lethality and supports DLA’s Warfighter First strategic line of effort.
"It was a great trip, focusing primarily on Energy workforce engagements (e.g. town halls), but also taking the time to interact with key senior leaders on important Energy topics like the Trans Korean Pipeline, Red Hill and theater fuel support," said Chapin in an email summary to the DLA Director.
DLA Energy Korea’s Operation Officer Air Force Capt. Adam Andrews appreciated the general’s visit.
"Brig. Gen. Chapin’s strategic engagement with our U.S. Forces Korea and our Republic of Korea counterparts will pay dividends in the years to come in support of petroleum readiness on the peninsula," said Andrews.
At DLA Energy Korea Daegu headquarters, Chapin led a town hall for the DLA Energy workforce where he recognized the hard work of team members and presented commander’s coins. The following DLA Energy at Korea were recognized:
• Ni Na Yi for assuming responsibilities of a higher-grade management analyst position for four months, while maintaining her duties as the administrative and language translation assistant.
• Rob Barta for serving as the lead planner for the closure of Defense Fuel Support Point Waegwan while ensuring a smooth and timely operation with Daehan Oil Pipeline Corporation and USFK representatives. He reallocated more than 5.5 million gallons of U.S. fuel to other DFSPs in Korea and coordinated the final joint inspection in order to meet the December 2017 deadline.
• Marc LaMontagne for overseeing inventory procedures during the drawdown of DFSP Waegwan and activating the new West Pyeongtaek DFSP. He was also recognized for identifying a contractor non-compliance with Korea's Invited Contractor Program and assisted the headquarters contracting team in developing a long-term solution.
• Rodrigo Gonzalez for being a consummate team player, willing to help any section no matter the topic or time of day.
• Rick Rivera for his support to USFK Sub Area petroleum officer was critical in securing a five year Trans Korean Pipeline and Agreed Recommendation 2 extension, ensuring future indefinite use of fuel infrastructure in Korea.
• DLA Distribution Korea accounting technician Chong A Yu was recognized for preparing and executing two independent audits and for training contractors for the new West Pyeongtaek Contractor Owned Contractor Operated Defense Fuel Support Point.
The DLA Energy at Korea workforce is comprised of 22 U.S. Army and Air Force military personnel, Department of Defense civilians and Korean national employees and is commanded by Army Lt. Col. Faith Mellott Chamberlain.
DLA Energy Korea delivers more than 100 million gallons of petroleum product valued in excess of $300 million dollars annually, and provides world-class wholesale bulk petroleum supply, distribution and quality management in support of the U.S. Forces in the Republic of Korea through 28 defense fuel points across the Korean Theater of Operations during Armistice and Contingency operations.