The Defense Logistics Agency Energy Americas North regional office welcomed a new commander in a time honored ceremony on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, June 7.
Outgoing commander Air Force Lt. Col. Frederick Mueller handed over responsibility of the organization to Air Force Maj. Marcus McWilliams during a change of command ceremony.
DLA Energy Americas Commander Army Col. Kevin Cotman was the presiding official.
“Americas North is truly a special organization within the Energy Team,” Cotman said. “This joint command leads and directs eight Defense Fuel Support Points and distributes about 77 million gallons of POL (petroleum, oil and lubricants) in support of 120 Department of Defense and other federal activities. It also serves as one of the critical points of contact for petroleum expertise to Alaskan Command, U.S. Northern Command, and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.”
During the ceremony, Mueller received the Defense Meritorious Service Medal for his achievements.
“For two years, under the steadfast leadership of Lt. Col. Mueller, Americas North has performed at an incredibly high level,” Cotman said. “Whenever Rick made a recommendation or a decision, it was always ... and I mean always … guided by policy, commander’s intent, and operating priorities. He knew if he operated within those parameters, he was ultimately taking care of the agency, Americas, and his employees.”
Since Mueller took command, he led DLA Energy’s participation in four Red Flag/Northern Edge exercises delivering over 10 million gallons of fuel for more than 5,000 sorties, maintained critical fuel levels in eight DFSPs and 17 radar and missile sites while ensuring over 47,000 Warfighters had the resources to maintain a battle ready posture, Cotman said. Mueller and his team also conducted a gap analysis on stock positioning and distribution capability which led to the DLA Director prioritizing an Alaska fuels military construction project.
Mueller is headed to the Pentagon for his next assignment.
McWilliams joins the DLA Energy team from Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, where he was the director of operations for the 20th Logistics Readiness Squadron. He brings extensive logistics experience including airlift and surface freight transportation, materiel management, supply chain operations, and the management of petroleum resources. He deployed in support of several operations and recently returned from Operation Inherent Resolve where he was the logistics officer at Union III, Baghdad, Iraq.
“His petroleum management experience at the base level and petroleum agency level and experience working with commercial industry will serve DLA Energy Americas North and the Department of Defense very well over the next two years,” Cotman said. “I know he will lead Americas North to new heights and continued success.”
“I’m thrilled to be joining the DLA Energy family and looking forward to working with such a dedicated group of professionals,” McWilliams said.
In closing, Cotman thanked the entire Americas North team for their “can do” attitude and always taking care of partners without fail.