A Conversation with ... Roger Hylton
 
  By Ron Inman, DLA Energy Public Affairs
  **Describe your position and responsibilities:**
   *As Deputy, Current Operations for Defense Logistics Agency Energy’s Directorate of Customer Operations, I view my responsibilities as falling within two primary areas: providing DLA Energy leadership with a global common operating picture for DLA Energy partners and customers, and being one of several key initial entry points for all customer inquiries related to DLA Energy logistics support.
   
I oversee the Operations Center’s collection, assessment and dissemination of information that gives DLA Energy leadership the joint operational picture and logistics management tools to assess and support combatant commands, functional commands and the military services in the execution of current operations (missions and exercises) to include logistics command and control for all energy commodities, services, and equipment; and partnering with internal and external government and commercial energy partners.
   
As one of DLA Energy’s initial entry points for all customer inquiries and requirements related to energy logistics support, the Operations Team and I have the unique opportunity to collect, review or validate customer inquiries, then coordinate with the Directorate of Supplier Operations, Quality Technical Support and appropriate business process areas for timely resolution.* **How long have you worked at DLA Energy?**
   *Since 2003. I developed a strong connection in serving our nation upon entry into the U.S. Air Force and was privileged to continue my service as a member of DLA Energy. As an Air Force Fuel Specialist from 1979 - 2003, I served in base flight line operations, combatant commands and participated in deployments.* **What is your biggest accomplishment to date?**
   *Over the last year, being part of the Plans and Operations Division in support of the warfighter and disaster relief and humanitarian assistance operations. Of most recent note is DLA Energy’s support to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for Hurricane Harvey, Irma and Maria operations.* **What is your role in supporting the warfighter?**   *I conduct current operational planning and execution activities for standard reccurring, contingency, exercise and disaster relief operations, plus reporting. This involves logistics operations command and control for all DLA Energy commodities, services, and equipment partnering with the military seervices, DLA Energy regional offices, Directorate of Supplier Operations, Quality Technical Support and business process areas.* **What are some of the challenges and rewards of your job?**   *The challenges can be many and varied. Most recently is translation and coordination of initial fuel requirements for Hurricane Maria in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico joint operations area and a common operating picture. When you work with and help bring together an excellent group of individuals, the process is made simpler. The rewards can be plentiful, such as bringing together information and providing leadership a complete operational picture to meet the warfighter’s needs. Of course, the best reward is seeing the DLA Energy team coming together to provide our customers’ and partners’ requests and requirements in a responsive and timely manner.* **How do you make a difference?** 
   *By being able to leverage and add my military and 37-plus years of petroleum and energy experience with others to provide the Department of Defense and other government agencies with comprehensive energy solutions, effectively and efficiently.*