NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa. –
In a virtual ceremony signifying a change of leadership at Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Headquarters in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania, DLA Distribution Acting Director, Perry L. Knight, passed the helm to Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Keith D. Reventlow, July 21. Acting DLA Director, Michael D. Scott, Senior Executive Service, presided over the ceremony via video teleconference from DLA Headquarters in Ft. Belvoir, Virginia.
DLA is currently conducting virtual ceremonies within local, state and federal COVID-19 guidelines. A video of the ceremony can be viewed here.
Reventlow returns to DLA Distribution, having served as commander of DLA Distribution San Joaquin, California, from 2013 to 2016, an experience that taught him how DLA, and DLA Distribution in particular, does business, which will prove invaluable in his current position. He most recently served as the commanding general of the 3rd Marine Logistics Group, Okinawa, Japan, where he led more than 5,600 Marines and Sailors in hundreds of exercises and operations across the Indo-Pacific, responding to crises, building capabilities and strengthening relationships with our partners and allies.
“Because he’s been close to the tip of the spear for most of his career, he understands the importance and urgency of the global support we provide to our Warfighters,” Scott said.
Scott also recognized Distribution employees in his remarks, including their support to military services and other federal agencies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The incredible DLA Distribution workforce, which operates from 24 distribution centers together with an expeditionary capability spanning 20 states and 8 countries. With a workforce of nearly 10,000 people, you manage 2.4 million stock items worth $110B. You are what this ceremony is all about. Commanders command, but the reality is — you make it happen.”
Scott also commended Knight for his outstanding leadership as acting commander during this time of transition for DLA Distribution and the agency.
“To the man leading this great organization for the past few weeks, Mr. Perry Knight. You have kept all the trains on track and running on time as you prepared this organization for the arrival of Brig. Gen. Reventlow.”
Reventlow expressed his gratitude to the DLA Distribution workforce for the work they do every day to support the warfighter and thanked Knight for the gracious transition and for taking the helm of Distribution for several weeks.
“It is truly an exciting time to be back at Distribution,” said Reventlow.