# DLA Energy Americas West changes command

/ Published June 15, 2022
CYPRESS, Cali., 
Defense Logistics Agency Energy Americas West bid farewell to Navy Cmdr. Frank Kim during a change of command ceremony at the Navy Golf Course in Cypress, California, June 13. 

Incoming Americas West Commander, Navy Cmdr. Anas Maazouzi, was a previous operations officer and military deputy director at DLA Land and Maritime. He joins DLA Energy from the Joint Chiefs of Staff, where he served as the Branch Chief for Strategic Plans and the Joint Petroleum Officer within the Logistics Directorate.

DLA Energy Americas Commander Army Col. Raphael Heflin presided over the ceremony.

“Astute and calm are two words that immediately come to mind when I think about CAPT Select Kim,” Heflin said during his remarks. “As the Americas West commander, Frank has led an amazing cast of All-Stars through some very complex logistical challenges.”

Taking command in August 2020, Kim led the dynamic team during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring health and safety protocols for Americas West employees while ensuring uninterrupted service to the western petroleum supply chain management in support of Combatant Commands, the Services, and federal and state agencies. 

Kim received the Defense Meritorious Service Award for his leadership maintaining a resilient supply chain and directly executing over $2.2 billion dollars in energy contracts supporting Warfighter and interagency missions. His efforts ensured an uninterrupted fuel supply chain across 126 partners and 27 Intermediate Defense Fuel Support Points and enabled his command to support contingency and crisis operations throughout the Western United States.Kim thanked all those who supported him listing many names of colleagues, leaders, and mentors.

“The award I just received is a fraction of your combined accomplishments,” Kim said to the team. “Thank you for the support and dedication through my two years with you.”

Heflin introduced Maazouzi to the audience, noting his “rock-solid” experience. 

“His focus on team building will continue to take him far as Commander of DLA Energy Americas West,” Heflin said. “I charge you with making a positive difference every day, caring for our valued workforce, maintaining a positive climate of dignity, respect and inclusion, and keeping the organization ready to respond to regional emergencies and the mission of supporting the warfighter.” 

                Defense Logistics Agency Energy Americas West bid farewell to Navy Cmdr. Frank Kim during a change of command ceremony at the Navy Golf Course in Cypress, California, June 13. At the end of the ceremony, DLA Energy Americas Commander Army Col. Raphael Heflin frocked Kim to the rank of Navy Captain. Kim is relocating to his new assignment as the Assistant Chief of Staff for Logistics for the 7th fleet in Japan. Photo courtesy of Dan Schmidt, DLA Energy Americas West.                            DLA Energy Americas West changes command                            Defense Logistics Agency Energy Americas West bid farewell to Navy Cmdr. Frank Kim during a change of command ceremony at the Navy Golf Course in Cypress, California, June 13. At the end of the ceremony, DLA Energy Americas Commander Army Col. Raphael Heflin frocked Kim to the rank of Navy Captain. Kim is relocating to his new assignment as the Assistant Chief of Staff for Logistics for the 7th fleet in Japan. Photo courtesy of Dan Schmidt, DLA Energy Americas West.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Photo courtesy of Dan Schmidt, DLA Energy Americas WestVIRIN: 220613-D-D0441-902

Maazouzi said it is a “truly special privilege” to return to DLA and command DLA Energy Americas West. 

“To the staff of Americas West, your reputation precedes you. Everyone I’ve spoken with says you are the best and deserve the best,” he said. “For that, I pledge my best, and expect that you continue doing your best.”

At the end of the ceremony, Heflin frocked Kim to the rank of Navy Captain where he took the Oath of Office and pinned on the rank of O6. Officers selected for the next higher grade and ordered to a billet for the higher grade may be "frocked" and wear the rank devices of the higher grade. Kim is relocating to his new assignment as the Assistant Chief of Staff for Logistics for the 7th Fleet in Japan.

DLA Energy Americas West, located on Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach, California, is one of three DLA Energy Americas regional offices working to execute the region’s area of responsibility consisting of North, Central and South Americas, plus the Caribbean Island states and territories.