Defense Logistics Agency Energy Americas West bid farewell to Navy Cmdr. Michael Wilson during a virtual relinquishment of command ceremony in San Pedro, California, Aug. 6.
The official party practiced COVID-19 social distancing as DLA Energy Americas Commander Army Col. Raphael Heflin presided over the ceremony via video teleconference from the DLA Energy Americas offices in Houston, Texas.
“Despite the circumstances, it does not negate the significance of today’s ceremony,” Heflin said. “In fact, I think it actually highlights the strength and will of the organization to continue to find ways to execute what is important, and offers assurances that our workforce will always find a way to support the warfighter.”
Wilson, a Navy Supply Corp officer, has been responsible for western petroleum supply chain management in support of Combatant Commands, the Services, and federal and state agencies since June 2018.
“I've really enjoyed my two years here as Commander of Americas West,” he said. “Being in Command is quite the honor that the Navy has entrusted in me, and I thank all the people I have served with in the past for helping me to get to this milestone in my career.”
Wilson received the Defense Meritorious Service Award for his efforts maintaining a resilient supply chain and direct execution of over $1.6 billion in energy contracts supporting warfighter and inter-agency missions. He ensured an uninterrupted fuel supply chain across 126 partners and 27 intermediate Defense Fuel Support Points using a variety of transport methods including nine major pipelines, tank trucks, railcars, marine barges, and commercial tankers.
Heflin highlighted Wilson’s leadership in response to fires at a two major fuel logistics hubs that supports 29 military bases.
“Mike led his team to use unconventional supply nodes at multiple Air Force bases to act as supply points, insuring uninterrupted delivery of petroleum to the Warfighter, a truly Joint use of resources to support the services and earned his team the DLA Small Teams Award,” Heflin said.
Wilson attributed the successes to his staff.
“They've been thrown explosions, fires, earthquakes and now a plague at them and they've not only met the challenges but made the western supply chain more efficient and resilient,” Wilson said.
DLA will continue to reap the benefits of Wilson’s logistics experience when he reports to his next assignment in J3/J5 at DLA Troop Support in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
DLA Energy Americas West Deputy Director Tracy Keenan assumed command until the new commander, Navy Cmdr. Frank Kim, reports later in August.
DLA Energy Americas West, located in San Pedro, California, is one of three DLA Energy Americas regional offices working to execute the region’s area of responsibility consisting of North, Central and South Americas, plus the Caribbean Island states and territories.