FORT BELVOIR, Va. –
Army Col. Michelle Agpalza accepted the reins of Defense Logistics Agency CENTCOM & SOCOM in a change of command ceremony July 27 at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.
Agpalza replaces Army Col. Gerald Acosta and is returning to DLA via the National Defense University. She previously worked in the DLA Logistics Operations Business Integration Branch and the Agency Synchronization and Operations Center.
“Thank you for what you did and what you’re going to continue to do. I’m excited to be part of a tremendous team,” she said.
Acosta, who arrived at DLA CENTCOM & SOCOM in June 2021 as DLA was completing its drawdown in Afghanistan, thanked DLA Logistics Operations Director Navy Rear Adm. Doug Noble for his leadership.
“We had one hard mission set after another, but your patience and the way you delivered your advice and born wisdom pushed us through,” he said, also thanking DLA CENTCOM & SOCOM employees for their expertise and dedication.
CENTCOM remains a critical and active theater, Noble said after passing the unit flag from Acosta to Agpalza. He noted that commanders are responsible for everything that happens in an organization, and service members and civilian look to commanders to provide intent to move forward.
“Your team, Col. Acosta, improved mission command throughout the development and optimization of the DLA support team for the region to provide better customer support to the warfighters,” Noble said. “Your focus and dedication have increased support across the AOR, with sustainment decisions being made at the speed of relevance.”
Agpalza is a native of Kailua, Hawaii. She started her career as an enlisted soldier before earning her commission and joining the Army’s Chemical Corps in the Hawaii Army Patrol Guard. She went active duty in 2001 and later served in the CENTCOM AOR while deployed to Qatar as an operations officer for the 401st Army Field Support Battalion.
“I’m confident in Michelle’s track record,” Noble said. “Her impressive work history will suit her for the challenges and opportunities that this command will bring.”