FORT BELVOIR, Va. –
Defense Logistics Agency Energy Middle East bid farewell to Army Lt. Col. Jamie Pittman and welcomed the incoming commander, Army Lt. Col. Marrio Almada, during a change of command ceremony at Naval Support Activity Bahrain, June 5.
Commander of DLA Central Command and Special Operations Command Army Col. Michelle Agpalza was the presiding official.
“Throughout the past year, I witnessed Jamie lead the DLA Energy Middle East team in a fast past environment, in an AOR that continues to execute both kinetic and non-kinetic operations, one that remains contested across multiple countries with different laws and ways of doing business,” Agpalza said. “While there were several obstacles,’ hurdles and challenges at times, at no time did the Energy Middle East team fail to deliver to meet the needs of the Warfighter.”
Pittman received the Defense Meritorious Service Medal for his leadership and management of more than 21 Direct Delivery Fuel sites, 15 Defense Fuel Support Points, nine International Agreements, and 53 contracts throughout the U.S. Central Command region.
“As the regions scope broadened, the priorities shifted, and new operations with impossible timelines emerged, the team just did what any true professional does; get to work,” Pittman said. “It is without a question that I was truly blessed and honored to spend the past year as the Commander of this world class organization. Marrio, you have an outstanding team and I know you will lead them well.”
Pittman’s next assignment is the Security Forces Assistance Command in Fort Liberty, North Carolina, as the Chief of Sustainment.
Almada is a returning member of the DLA Energy family. He is a former planner and director of Supplier Operations for DLA Energy Europe & Africa in Kaiserslautern, Germany.
“Once again, my career has led me to DLA Energy,” he said. “I can attest that this organization is nothing short of amazing. It's an honor and a privilege to be here.”
During his remarks, Almada thanked Pittman for the smooth transition.
“Jamie, you have left me with an excellent team. I can’t thank you enough and consider you a valued colleague and friend,” he said. “I will work hard to leverage your accomplishments and harder to raise the team to even greater heights.”
Military commanders lead DLA Energy worldwide offices that support fuel and energy-related missions in the respective regions including DLA Energy Americas in Texas; DLA Energy Europe & Africa in Germany; DLA Energy East Pacific in Hawaii; DLA Energy South-West Pacific in Guam; DLA Energy Okinawa; DLA Energy Japan and DLA Energy Korea.