FORT BELVOIR, Va. –
In a ceremony steeped in military traditions, Defense Logistics Agency Energy Americas bid farewell to Army Col. Josielyn Carrasquillo and welcomed Army Col. Alphonso Simmons Jr. during a change of command ceremony at the Petroleum Club of Houston in Houston, Texas, July 2.
The DLA Energy Americas region manages fuel and energy-related efforts for the Defense Department and federal agencies as well as international partners across North, Central and South Americas, plus the Caribbean Island states and territories.
DLA Energy Commander Navy Rear Adm. George Bresnihan presided over the ceremony and recognized Carrasquillo for her history-making leadership.
“Something particularly impressive about Josie that many of you know is she previously served as the DLA Energy Americas East commander from 2017 to 2019,” Bresnihan told the audience. “When she was selected to return to DLA Energy to serve as Americas Commander, she made history as the first sub-region commander to return and serve as the regional Commander.”
In a speech full of emotion, Carrasquillo thanked the Americas team.
“Thank you, Rear Adm. Bresnahan, for your kind words and recognizing the Americas’ family accomplishments. They are the true Americas heroes. They are the ones behind all the initiatives, opportunities, and mission successes. They are always ready at any given time to bring solutions to keep Warfighter readiness at the highest level of excellence,” she said.
While born and raised in Puerto Rico, Carrasquillo has always said that DLA Energy is her home with her well-known “One Team, One Fight, One Family” motto.
“This mission is not achieved by one person or organization, we need other teammates,” she said. “Americas family, you are the best of the best. Team of teams. The cream of the crop. Thank you for taking me under your wings and making me fly.”
Bresnihan presented Carrasquillo the Defense Superior Service Medal for her accomplishments as commander of a regional area from June 2022 to July 2024. The region spans 10 Federal Emergency Management Agency regions, 14 major pipeline distribution systems, seven time zones and more than 400 Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine and Coast Guard installations. Her leadership ensured the delivery of over 4.2 billion gallons of fuel annually through the entire Western Hemisphere.
DLA Energy Americas supports four combatant commands: Northern Command, Southern Command, Strategic Command and Transportation Command. DLA Energy Americas also collaborates with FEMA and contingency contractors for bulk petroleum support for natural or manmade disasters occurring in the U.S.
Bresnihan welcomed the incoming commander, Simmons, to the DLA Energy team.
“Col. Simmons extensive background as a quartermaster officer, with his command experience is a testament of his ability to ensure equipment, materials, and systems are available and functioning in support of DLA’s and the warfighter’s global mission,” Bresnihan said. “DLA Energy is a unique organization, and I have no doubt you will continue to expand upon Josie’s contributions to the command. With the aid of an experienced and passionate team to support Warfighters, you are destined for success.”
Carrasquillo echoed Bresnihan’s sentiments.
“I am confident that under your leadership Americas will climb new heights,” she said. “Your vision, experiences, and commitment to people are exactly what we need to continue navigating the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.”
“Thank you for the warm welcome,” Simmons said. “We will continue to build on the success and the foundation laid. I look forward to working with all of you.”
Military commanders lead DLA Energy worldwide offices that support fuel and energy-related missions in the respective regions. Besides DLA Energy Americas, there are DLA Energy offices in Europe & Africa in Germany, East Pacific in Hawaii, South-West Pacific in Guam, Okinawa, Japan, Korea, and the Middle East in Bahrain.