FORT BELVOIR, Virginia –
The Company Grade Officer of the Quarter for the 2nd quarter of fiscal year 2018 is Defense Logistics Agency Energy’s Navy Lt. Jonathan Gazaille.
Gazaille is the petroleum operations officer for DLA Energy Middle East. He was recognized for coordinating and resolving fuel inventory concerns at 17 capitalized bulk fuel locations, overseeing more than 600 million gallons of fuel movement through 78 supply chains without disruptions to the customer’s mission.
“A superb logistician, Lt. Gazaille forecasted and assisted with custom clearance as well as devising a tax-status plan with the U.S. Embassy to overcome the imposed taxes on U.S. cargo,” said DLA Energy Acting Commander Guy Beougher in an email to the workforce. “A steward of the Defense Working Capital Fund, he is always accountable.”
Gazaille was noted for his efforts in saving DLA money, fostering strong partnerships and becoming the first lead helium coordinator in the region. Gazaille analyzed helium in-theater capability critical to Afghanistan intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations saving more than $59 million annually. Helium is a critical element to Afghanistan intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations.
“Lt. Gazaille consistently resets the standard of excellence for the region and is truly an outstanding young leader and team player,” said DLA Energy Middle East Deputy Commander Bruce Jones. “The entire DLA Energy Middle East team is extremely proud of his well-earned recognition.”
Other accomplishments include working with U.S. Air Forces Central Command to move four aviation gas containers to a central location saving DLA more than $70,000 annually. He also participated in discussions with the U.S. Embassy deputy defense attaché to establish an embedded quality assurance representative that will increase flexibility and save DLA annual travel costs.
The combatant commands rely on Gazaille for fuel planning their training events and resolving host nation issues. Notably, he assisted the U.S. Central Command by increasing fuel storage capacity at a facility that housed a one-day supply unit to providing a 30-day supply storage capability.
“Engaging with customers creates pathways to strong partnerships, allowing for new ideas and strategies to better meet the mission requirements,” Gazaille said. “Constantly examining our current methods allows for the discovery of cost-saving opportunities. Saving money helps to free DLA to have greater reach in funding other requirements in supporting the warfighter.”
The lieutenant’s off-duty activities are highly commendable as well, Beougher said.
Gazaille and his wife sponsor 14 children in Nairobi, Kenya, funding all of their education tuition, food and sporting activities.
"I have always believed in giving back no matter what blessings have been given to us,” Gazaille wrote in an email. “We believe that everyone should be given the opportunity to live the life they wish to live no matter what their circumstances.”
Recently Gazaille organized a tour of a U.S. Navy destroyer at Naval Support Activity Bahrain for 20 College of William and Mary Master of Business Administration students as part of their international immersion study.
“Lt. Gazaille lives the whole person concept of development,” Beougher said. “His self-improvement efforts are praiseworthy of a true professional.”
In his spare time, Gazaille is studying for his MBA admissions test and enjoys playing the guitar and photography.