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News | May 18, 2017

DLA Distribution hosts incoming DLA Europe and Africa commander

By DLA Distribution Public Affairs DLA Distribution Public Affairs

Army Col. Ted Shinkle, incoming DLA Europe/Africa commander, visited DLA Distribution May 15 to discuss how DLA Distribution and DLA Europe/Africa collaborate to support United States European Command and United States Africa Command priorities.

Shinkle, who will replace Col. Lisa Delbridge-Keough on June 29, currently serves as the chief of staff, 21st Theater Sustainment Command.  

Following a brief overview of the Distribution global network, which includes 25 distribution centers worldwide, Shinkle and the staff discussed how the organization strategically engages with the combatant commands in the USAFRICOM/USEUCOM areas of responsibility to ensure troop readiness.

The staff detailed to Shinkle how DLA Distribution- positioned in Germersheim, Germany, Sigonella, Italy, Rota, Spain and Djibouti, Africa- provides storage and distribution services to its combatant command partners by forward stocking demand-driven and special requirement items at its forward distribution sites.  DLA Distribution also supports the AORs with its dedicated truck routes, which delivers to military outposts in the United Kingdom, the Baltics and Turkey, among others.

The group explained to Shinkle that by collaborating with the combatant commanders, DLA Distribution is able to formulate its yearly operating plan based on anticipated requirements from the services, to include universal support for planning and military exercises.

After the discussion, Shinkle expressed his eagerness at working with Distribution and supporting the COCOMS, saying “You have a great reputation with customers - whether it's dealing with personnel or the actual mission; Distribution has an outstanding reputation.  I'm looking forward to joining this organization.  It's a great time to be in Europe, and a unique time in history.  You should be proud of the heavy lifting your organization is doing.  You are critically important.”