DLA Energy commander hands over command

Army Commander Col. Robert Weaver relinquished command during a change of command ceremony June 25 in Kaiserslautern.

Air Force Brig. Gen. Giovanni Tuck, Defense Logistics Agency Energy commander, presided over the ceremony and presented the command’s colors to the incoming commander, Army Col. Edward English, before an assembled audience of family, friends, distinguished guests and DLA Energy Europe & Africa region co-workers.

“Rob, your leadership contributed greatly to the success of DLA Energy in Europe and Africa,” Tuck said. “During your tenure as commander, you and your unit ensured all U.S. European Command and Africa Command fuel requirements were met.”

Tuck said during Weaver’s command he managed a 1,700 mile long supply chain from Turkey to Iraq ensuring energy support for both U.S. and coalition partners by successfully delivering more than 160 million gallons of jet and diesel fuel to five different locations in Iraq.

Weaver also established a new transit hub in Romania reducing fuel costs by approximately $14 million a year, and supported U.S. Special Operations Command missions in AFRICOM and spearheaded a number of energy supply chain initiatives that were recognized by DLA Director Navy Vice Adm. Mark Harnitchek, he added.

During his remarks, Weaver thanked numerous people for their support during his tenure.

“One of the biggest thanks goes to the DLA Energy Europe & Africa workforce that accepted Admiral Harnitchek’s challenge that we are living in historic times … doing things we’ve never done before,” Weaver said. “Make some history for yourself. And that’s exactly what you did. You did things that were not done before across Europe and all over Africa. From the Arctic Circle to the Pole of Obscurity in Africa, you were providing support and amazing me with the solutions you put in place to support the high visibility — no fail missions everyday with very little fanfare.”

During the ceremony, Tuck welcomed English to his new command saying his extensive background in both transportation and the EUCOM AOR will pay big dividends during his tour as commander.

“With your training, experience and this great DLA Energy Europe & Africa team, you will succeed,” Tuck said. “As for the region personnel you inherit, I would bet my wings on them.”

As the new DLA Europe & Africa commander, English will be responsible for 55 defense fuel support points, five major pipelines and distribution systems, 22 international agreements and provide direct support to several combatant commands.

Its area of responsibility includes more than 100 countries with more than 800 different ethnic
groups speaking more than 2,000 languages.

“When it comes to (DLA) Energy, it’s all done on the backs of about 78 people,” Tuck said.
Over the past three years, DLA Energy Europe & Africa has managed the distribution and sale of
approximately $13.5 billion worth of jet fuel, motor gas, diesel and aviation gas.