ANNISTON, Ala. –
Derrick Black, equipment specialist and accountable property officer, Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Anniston, Alabama, was recognized as the Vehicle/Material Handling Equipment Management Civilian Supervisor/Leader of the Year for outstanding performance during 2019.
Black managed over 200 pieces of equipment valued at over $66 million. As the APO, Black identified and turned in several pieces of excess equipment valued at over $400,000, resulting in Black receiving a commendable rating during the Accountable Property Compliance Audit from DLA headquarters. The auditor stated Black set the standard for what property accountability should be at all DLA sites, additionally, the auditor took some of the procedures that Black uses back as best practices for other DLA sites to use.
Black aggressively worked with Anniston’s Directorate of Public Works to maintain the organization’s aging fleet of transporter trucks and other equipment. These trucks are critical to the mission of the organization moving material between several vital points of operation. His astute management of equipment and close attention to detail in managing the organization’s material handling equipment fleet reduced the average age of the MHE fleet to five years, far exceeding the average at other DLA distribution centers.
Recently, Black was able to acquire a new state-of-the art tractor trailer for DDAA. This new asset has increased production, not to mention the morale of the vehicle operator, which in turn has increased the movement of material for the organization.
Black’s significant contribution to improve global distribution excellence included his establishment of a preventative maintenance contract for the organization’s 80-ton Gantry Crane “Clyde,” an instrumental piece of equipment for receiving and shipping of combat vehicles. The contract provides the ability to have outside experts perform periodic maintenance inspections on the crane and provides the ability to procure a temporary crane in the event it is not operational for an extended time. This was instrumental in repairing a major item on the crane without any loss of production.
An invaluable asset to DDAA and the Warfighter, Black’s professional performance, industrious attitude, and devotion to duty are unsurpassed by anyone in DDAA.