NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa. –
Navy Cmdr. Mark Rozzell relinquished command of Defense Logistics Agency Support Team-Kuwait to Navy Cmdr. Chris Thompson in a change of command ceremony hosted virtually Dec. 10 by Army Col. Hattie Richardson, regional commander, DLA Central Command and Special Operations Command.
Richardson praised Rozzell in her remarks noting a few of his accomplishments while at the helm.
“Mark assumed command of DLA Support Team Kuwait in May 2020. Throughout his command, he led a cohesive workforce against a backdrop of constrained budgets, personnel reductions and organizational changes. While there are many significant contributions the team has made in the past six months under Mark’s superlative leadership; but please bear with me as i note the top three:
- Team-Kuwait reviewed and expedited over 48,000 requisitions for numerous operational commands. This outstanding customer support helped to improve overall material readiness for our warfighters in the region from 83% to 90%.
- Mark and his team managed and provided oversight of DLA sustainment contracts totaling more than $1.7 billion which were key in sustaining U.S. and coalition forces in support of multiple combat missions in Iraq and Syria; and
- Mark led his team’s efforts in providing crucial logistics expertise as the in-theater point of contact for DLA’s initial humanitarian aid sent in response to the explosion at the Port of Beirut in August 2020.
Richardson stated there is no doubt Team-Kuwait’s performance during Rozzell’s tour of duty has been superior and exceeded the DLA standard.
Rozzell will return to DLA Distribution headquarters as the deputy director of future plans.
“As one great leader departs, another arrives to take the helm,” remarked Richardson. She continued, “Only the best officers are selected to serve as joint commanders in DLA support teams. Cmdr. Thompson is a gifted leader and the right person to continue the strong and outstanding leadership at DLA Support Team-Kuwait. Chris comes to us from DLA distribution and he has amazing experiences, and a variety of key assignments to prepare him for this challenge … I am confident that Team-Kuwait will continue to meet the challenges head-on under your leadership.”
DLA Support Team-Kuwait proudly supports our warfighters, with a team of less than 25 military and civilian professionals, operating in nine countries. They monitor the movement of DLA supply chain across the region to U.S. and coalition forces operating in the Central Command area of operation, with major customer support being to the 1st Theater Sustainment Command and the combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve as well as CENTCOM component commands. The team has successfully supported Operations Inherent Resolve, Spartan Shield and Freedom’s Sentinel, while working through border closings, country restrictions and customs clearances.