# Navy Cmdr. Chris Newell takes command of DLA Distribution Pearl Harbor and Navy Cmdr. Sean Andrews awarded for meritorious service

/ Published July 13, 2020
NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa., 
Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Navy Cmdr. Sean Andrews passed command to Navy Cmdr. Chris Newell in a small, socially distanced ceremony on Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, July 10. Navy Capt. Jason Adams, commander, DLA Indo-Pacific presided over the ceremony.

During the ceremony, Andrews was presented with the Defense Meritorious Service Medal for his meritorious service as DDPH commander from June 2017 to July 2020.“You have consistently and professionally maintained a razor sharp focus toward the future, and through your keen ability to visualize the right path, you were able to steer this organization, to lead this organization, to success in significantly enhancing warfighter capabilities and operational support to the military services,” Adams said of Andrews’ leadership for DDPH in support of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.

                Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Navy Cmdr. Sean Andrews provides remarks before passing command to Navy Cmdr. Chris Newell in a small, socially distanced ceremony on Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, July 10. During the ceremony, Andrews is presented with the Defense Meritorious Service Medal for his meritorious service as DDPH commander from June 2017 to July 2020.                            Navy Cmdr. Chris Newell takes command of DLA Distribution Pearl Harbor and Navy Cmdr. Sean Andrews awarded for meritorious service                            Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Navy Cmdr. Sean Andrews provides remarks before passing command to Navy Cmdr. Chris Newell in a small, socially distanced ceremony on Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, July 10. During the ceremony, Andrews is presented with the Defense Meritorious Service Medal for his meritorious service as DDPH commander from June 2017 to July 2020.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: DLA Distribution Public AffairsVIRIN: 200714-D-D0441-0001

His leadership was the catalyst for several process changes and organizational improvements of great benefit to DLA and the joint customers. His management of 196 military, civilian and contractor personnel, mission execution, collaboration with DLA Indo-Pacific, local DLA Major Subordinate Commands and regional partners demonstrate his unwavering commitment to logistics excellence and customer support. During this period, Andrews provided oversight of more than 75,000 items valued at more than $250 million.

Andrews’ leadership was vital in creating, influencing and putting into place a culture of process improvement and mission excellence. He expertly planned and executed DLA Distribution operations in support of the largest Rim of the Pacific exercise ever held. He facilitated world-class logistics solutions and support to 27 participating nations, 55 afloat vessels, more than 200 airframes and 25,000 Sailors, Airmen, Soldiers and Marines, while maintaining outstanding support to all local customers.

                Navy Cmdr. Chris Newell takes command of Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, in a small, socially distanced ceremony on Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, July 10. Newell joins DLA following his most recent command as director of logistics for Naval Special Warfare Command in Coronado, California.                            Navy Cmdr. Chris Newell takes command of DLA Distribution Pearl Harbor and Navy Cmdr. Sean Andrews awarded for meritorious service                            Navy Cmdr. Chris Newell takes command of Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, in a small, socially distanced ceremony on Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, July 10. Newell joins DLA following his most recent command as director of logistics for Naval Special Warfare Command in Coronado, California.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: DLA Distribution Public AffairsVIRIN: 200714-D-D0441-0002

Navy Cmdr. Chris Newell joins DLA following his most recent command as director of logistics for Naval Special Warfare Command in Coronado, California. A native of New Orleans, Louisianna, Newell graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University in 1999 and was commissioned at Officer Candidate School, Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, in June 2000. Following commissioning, he completed the Basic Qualification Course at the Navy Supply Corps School in Athens, Georgia and was assigned aboard USS Bridge (AOE 10) in Bremerton, Washington. Subsequent operational assignments include duty as supply officer aboard USS Lake Champlain (CG 57), as principal assistant for both services and logistics aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) and, more recently, as the director of logistics for a Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force prosecuting offensive operations against the Islamic State. Having completed operational deployments in every paygrade, he has extensive experience in Europe, the Pacific Rim and in southwest Asia.

“Chris, your experience, joint education and expertise as a successful leader and trailblazer have bestowed the confidence and trust of the Navy and DLA to select you for this challenging and rewarding position,” said Adams.

DLA Distribution Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, located on Hickam Air Force Base, contains the largest preservation and packing facility on the island, providing support to the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility, as well as other Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Army activities. Large items such as ship propellers, periscopes, gears and shafts are specially packed and crated for storage or shipment by the DLA Distribution Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, professionals.