RICHMOND, VA –
Leadership at Defense Logistics Agency Aviation - Jacksonville changed hands during a formal change of command ceremony in Ceremonial Hangar 117 on Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida, Aug. 23, 2018.
Navy Lt. Cmdr. Monica Frey assumed command from Navy Cmdr. Daniel Bessman, becoming the fifth commander of DLA Aviation - Jacksonville.
She comes to DLA Aviation – Jacksonville after a tour as the director, E-2 Hawkeye/C-2 Greyhound Integrated Weapon System Team at Navy Supply Weapon Systems Support in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Air Force Brig Gen Linda Hurry, commander, DLA Aviation, officiated the ceremony and welcomed Frey to the DLA family.
“Lt. Cmdr. Frey, DLA Aviation - Jacksonville is lucky to have you as their new commander and I look forward to working with you and watching you lead these true professionals.” Hurry said.
When it was her turn to speak, Frey kept it simple.
“The privilege of command and the associated responsibilities is something I take seriously. I promise to earn this honor every day.” Frey said.
She also thanked Bessman for setting her up for success.
“I think Cmdr. Bessman really set the foundation here. He really put down the fundamentals of the business. Now we just have to take the next step. I’m very happy to be here and have this opportunity to supply our warfighters with what they need.”
Before turning over the reins to Frey, Bessman took a minute to reflect on the successes he and the DLA Aviation - Jacksonville team enjoyed during his tenure, which began in 2015.
“I can truthfully say that I’m very proud of what our team accomplished here. We strengthened the bonds between Fleet Readiness Center Southeast and DLA. We learned how to work more efficiently together and that is borne out in the metrics. The joint logistics team we formed together with FRCSE put folks in direct contact with the customers to meet their needs. I’ve learned so much since I’ve been here and am honored to have been a part of this team,” he said.
Hurry offered some parting words to Bessman after he relinquished command to Frey.
“I know you will continue to do great things, but don’t ever forget you will always be part of the DLA family. If you ever need anything, we’ll be right here and we’ll always have your back. We wish you “fair winds and following seas.” she said.
Cmdr. Bessman will remain in Jacksonville where his next assignment will be at Naval Fleet Logistics Center.