# DLA Aviation - San Diego holds change of command ceremony

/ Published July 19, 2018

Defense Logistics Agency Aviation - San Diego, bid “fair winds and following seas” to Navy Cmdr. Matthew Brickhaus during a change of command ceremony hosted by DLA Aviation Commander, Air Force Brig. Gen. Linda Hurry held at Naval Air Station, North Island, California, July 10.

Before departing to join the Naval Air Systems Command Contracting Directorate in Patuxent, Maryland, as a member of their acquisition team, Brickhaus relinquished command to Navy Cmdr. Ernan Obellos. 

“As the outgoing DLA Aviation - San Diego commander, I look forward to my next tour of duty at the Naval Air Systems Command Contracting Directorate where I will have the privilege to remain in the Naval Aviation Enterprise and continue to influence positive change from an acquisition perspective,” said Brickhaus. “I take satisfaction in knowing that I have served my nation, DLA leadership, and my fellow warfighters with loyalty, to the best of my ability, and have left a resilient, tested, well-performing San Diego team which I have never been more proud of.” 

During the ceremony, Hurry recognized Brickhaus’ accomplishments while serving as commander as well as welcomed Obellos to the command.

“Today we are here to say thank you to Commander Matt Brickhaus, who has done so many great things for our DLA family.  At the same time, we would also like to welcome Commander Ernan Obellos and his wonderful family to our beloved DLA team,” said Hurry.

 “It is clear Matt did a wonderful job as the DLA Aviation commander here in San Diego, but what he will tell you is that his successes are a reflection of the dedicated men and women who make up his team. So I would like to thank this amazing team first,” said Hurry. “I want you to know you touch all aspects of support to our aviation warfighters. Our strength and success is because of you - our dedicated and professional workforce.” 

Hurry went on to say, “The collective success of the San Diego team has everything to do with the masterful leadership of Commander Brickhaus. First and foremost, he took care of our most precious resource ... all of you!”

Obellos, who previously served as the supply officer onboard the USS America (LHA 6), followed up on Hurry’s remarks by stating the integral role Brickhaus has played in the successes of DLA Aviation – San Diego while also thanking him for a smooth turnover. 

“Commander Brickhaus - it was readily discernible that I am taking over a well-run operation, if not the best – clearly, I have big shoes to fill,” said Obellos. “With that said, thank you for an awesome turnover and providing me the opportunity to meet in advance not only our team but also our leadership, and most importantly, our primary customer, Fleet Readiness Center Southwest.”

Hurry ended her remarks by leaving Cmdr. Obellos with some advice.

“Commander Obellos, as I welcome you onto the leadership team of DLA Aviation – San Diego, I challenge you to build upon Matt’s successes challenge the status quo, have fun and make the place even better than you found it,” said Hurry.

In true change of command fashion, both commanders thanked their families and friends for all of their support throughout their careers. 

Obellos closed out the ceremony by addressing the DLA workforce and the importance of their role in carrying out the DLA mission. 

“Whatever each of you do, know that you are doing a very important job – a big job called “protecting our freedom,” said Obellos. “For this reason, we will strive to have a ‘culture of success’ for I have found that when we do, success becomes our habit!”

“Only DLA Aviation - San Diego, can stop DLA - Aviation San Diego.  Let’s be our very best!  Let’s be the best,” said Obellos.