# Change of Command signifies transfer of leadership at largest Defense Department distribution center

/ Published June 24, 2020
NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa., 
Defense Logistics Agency Distribution, Susquehanna, Pennsylvania, leadership transferred from Army Col. James M Callis to Army Col. Trenton J Conner in a change of command ceremony June 24.

DLA Distribution Headquarters Commanding Officer, Navy Rear Adm. Kevin M. Jones, presided over the ceremony.

Because of ongoing risks associated with the global pandemic COVID-19, virtual ceremonies will replace standard traditional ceremonies where applicable, but in this case all necessary parties were able to be present while following social distancing and safety guidelines.

Wearing masks and ceremonial gloves, Jones passed the DLA organization flag to incoming commander Conner, signifying the official changeover.

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As the commander for DDSP, Callis had oversight over the largest distribution facility in the Defense Department, storing over 782,000 items valued at over $16.2 billion.For his service as commander, Callis was awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal. As per the citation for his award, “During this period, Col. Callis’s energetic and inspirational leadership enabled the Distribution Center to far surpass expectations, as evidenced by the organization’s strong performance in a much more resource-constrained environment while supporting 55 installations across the United States and military forces in Europe, Africa and the Middle East.”

“During his time here at DLA Distribution Susquehanna, he demonstrated strategic vision, strong commitment to the Defense Logistics Agency’s values, bold initiative, exceptional creativity and brilliant leadership during a critical time of operations and security,” said Jones in his remarks.

In his parting remarks Callis expressed his gratitude for the workforce and all their efforts, especially during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Incoming commander, Conner, while new to DLA, has twice served in the 101st Airborne Division, and he served in the Army’s second Stryker Brigade Combat Team, the 1st Brigade of the 25th Infantry Division. He also served as an observer/controller at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California. Conner deployed multiple times in support of named operations. He deployed to Kosovo supporting the North Atlantic Treaty Organization peace enforcement operations, commanded troops during Operation Iraqi Freedom and deployed three times to Afghanistan in operations and joint multinational staff roles.

Conner’s last assignment was at the Pentagon in the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-4 where he served as the deputy director of the Logistics Initiatives Group and then division chief, G-47 where he was responsible for integrating Army logistics into joint and multinational operations and modernization of Army logistics force structure.