DLA leaders visit agency employees, Navy leaders in Bahrain

BAHRAIN –

The Defense Logistics Agency’s commander of regional combat support discussed DLA’s future support to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility with Navy leaders and DLA employees at Naval Support Activity Bahrain Aug. 30-Sept. 2.

Navy Rear Adm. Doug Noble, who is also DLA’s director of logistics operations, met with Rear Adm. Sean Bailey, deputy commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, and other Navy leaders to discuss DLA Distribution support as well as subsistence and fuel topics.

Navy Cmdr. Jeretta Dillon, DLA Distribution Bahrain commander, talks to her team during an all hands with Navy Rear Adm. Doug Noble, DLA Logistics Operations director and commander of joint regional combat support, Aug. 31, 2022, in Bahrain. Noble visited the country to tour DLA operations and engage with Navy leaders on future support requirements in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. Courtesy photo

“In concert with the National Defense Strategy’s focus on aligning operational capabilities to strategic objectives, the CENTCOM AOR is undergoing significant transformation,” Noble said. “It’s critical for the nation’s logistics combat support agency to work through this evolution with our service component partners to ensure we stay ahead of any potential impacts to DLA’s support to the warfighter.”

Noble was joined by Army Command Sgt. Maj. Tomeka O’Neal, DLA’s senior enlisted leader; Army Col. Gerard Acosta, DLA CENTCOM & SOCOM commander; and Army Master Sgt. Felicia Hagler, DLA CENTCOM & SOCOM’s senior enlisted leader. The group toured agency operations at DLA Distribution Bahrain – the only DLA distribution center in the CENCTOM AOR – and DLA Energy Middle East.

Noble and O’Neal also recognized the work of DLA’s Bahrain-based workforce, a group of about 70 military, civilian and local national professionals. Noble held a session with Navy Supply Corps leaders, and O’Neal met with DLA noncommissioned officers.

“I always take the opportunity to talk to our enlisted team members when I travel,” O’Neal said. “Taking care of our people starts at the very top of the chain of responsibility, and I have to know what’s going on with them no matter where they’re stationed.”

Noble finished the trip by promoting DLA Distribution Bahrain Commander Navy Capt. Jeretta Dillon.

“Promotions are about more than just me,” Dillon said. “I was glad Rear Admiral Noble was able to do this in front of family, friends and the DDNB team because they – service members, mentors and civilians – are the reason I’m here.”