TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. –
Air Force Col. Katrina Smith relinquished her one-year command of Defense Logistics Agency Aviation at Oklahoma City during a ceremony held June 16 at Tinker Air Force Base.
Smith assumed command June 6, 2024. Although her departure comes earlier than usual, she said she leaves with pride in the progress made.
"The Oklahoma City office was crushing it from an operational perspective, so I wanted to focus on personnel development, mentoring, coaching, culture and maintaining our strong relationships with our Air Force partners," Smith said.
Among the initiatives she led were two key leadership hires – new branch chiefs within the Storage and Distribution Division, providing added supervision and support for 92 employees. Smith also worked with DLA Aviation headquarters to secure a safety specialist for OKC. That position is currently advertised and expected to be filled soon. The Booster Club was also revitalized under her tenure, with a new council bringing fresh energy to morale and team-building efforts.
Navigating supply chain complexities remained a constant challenge, but Smith said collaboration was key.
"Due to our strong partnerships, our Air Force customer trusts our transparency and knows we’ll provide them with the most up-to-date information – even if it’s not good news. They know we’re doing everything within our power to get them the parts they need."
She acknowledged the system isn’t perfect, but said communication and trust allow customers to adjust their operations in real time. Acting DLA Aviation Commander, Steve Kinskie praised Smith’s leadership, citing her role in returning 152 aircraft, 246 engines and more than 33,000 components to the warfighter.
Smith said she takes pride in improving the work environment and fulling critical vacancies that strengthened mission readiness. She credited her deputy, division chiefs and Human Resources for their partnership in driving change.
Had she remained for the full assignment, Smith said she planned to expand her strategic goals to include a focus on "precision or posture.”
As she prepares for her next assignment at Little Rock Air Force Base in Arkansas, Smith said she looks forward to continuing her mentorship of young officers and contributing to the Air Force’s ongoing reorganization efforts. She hopes to help shape policies in ways that minimize negative impacts on the mission and Airmen.
Smith's legacy of people-first leadership and operational excellence leaves a lasting, positive impact. DLA Aviation extends its gratitude and best wishes as she begins the next chapter of her military career.