NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY BAHRAIN, Bahrain –
The Defense Logistics Agency Energy deputy commander accompanied the DLA director on a tour of component commands in the U.S. Central Command region Nov. 3-13.
Air Force Lt. Gen. Andy Bush and George Atwood traveled to the Horn of Africa, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain.
“It was an opportunity to get a broader sense of the DLA mission and the different areas the supply chains supporting the (COCOM) commanders,” Atwood said. “We saw a lot of Energy equities. Everywhere we went DLA Energy is making a difference for the warfighter.”
Atwood said visiting a fuel farm in Djibouti and seeing jet fuel delivered by truck in over the arduous and rugged terrain to Camp Lemonnier was illuminating.
“When you are on the ground and see firsthand the logistics challenges our fuel contractor faces driving over roads filled with large rocks big enough to puncture a tire or break suspension parts, you realize what we are doing every day back at headquarters counts,” Atwood said. “Our fuel contracts are procuring the diesel fuel that is powering the base, providing the electricity, lighting and hot water for the folks in the field.”
In Oman, Busch and Atwood visited the Defense Fuel Support Point Salalah, which is on schedule to open Nov. 27, and will provide fuel logistical support outside the Gulf of Oman.
While in Bahrain, Busch toured several key locations, including Naval Support Activity Bahrain, the DLA Distribution Center in Hidd and DFSP Sitra.
While at NSA Bahrain, the director met with the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command commander, had breakfast with senior DLA personnel from DLA Energy, Distribution and Disposition and walked through DLA Energy buildings to meet with employees and recognize their accomplishments with commander’s coins for excellence.
The director praised DLA Energy Middle East employees for their hard work and dedication to the mission.
“It was great seeing the general for the second time and being able to drive him around Bahrain,” DLA Energy Middle East Supervisor Administrative Program Specialist Peter Parker said. “It was interesting to hear his perspective on current issues affecting us here in Bahrain. From my point of view, his visit was very informative, specifically the question and answers during breakfast with senior DLA personnel.”