# Shumaker takes command of DLA Energy Middle East 

/ Published Aug. 2, 2019

Army Lt. Col. Henry Brown relinquished command of Defense Logistics Agency Energy Middle East to Air Force Lt. Col. Amanda Shumaker during a change of command ceremony at Naval Support Activity Bahrain, July 25.

Brown departs to join U.S. Forces Korea Combined Forces Command as chief of Plans and Exercises.

“It has been a challenging and rewarding experience, and I am humbled to [have] had this opportunity,” Brown said. “It is bittersweet as I depart, and I will truly miss the outstanding professionals from DLA Energy.”

During his two-year command, Brown’s leadership ensured major contract vendor support transitions were synchronized with customer requirements enabling a seamless overlap between outgoing and incoming suppliers. He improved the efficiency of the organization resulting in maintaining an impressive stockage objective of 98% – 23% above the published standard – as well as reducing delinquent invoices down to only 5.8%. On a continuous basis, Brown skillfully coordinated ongoing fuel requirements with the U.S. Central Command Directorate of Logistics staff and DLA Energy Headquarters.

For his service, Brown was awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal. 

“His untiring efforts were instrumental in projecting the Nation's resolve to bring peace and stability to the Middle East region,” the citation read, in part. “As a trusted advisor for a challenging assignment, he provided the highest level of support regardless of the situation, positively affecting every facet of DLA Energy Middle East's readiness.”

As the forward DLA Energy presence in the Middle East, the unit provides comprehensive fuel management to over 85,000 Department of Defense customers, 16 host nations, 43 commercial partners, 17 Defense Fuel Support Points, 50 direct delivery contracts, 8 Host Nation Support Sites, 4 bunker sites, and 17 into-plane contracts to support USCENTCOM and other government activities operating in the region. The unit plays an integral role in supporting Operations Spartan Shield, Inherent Resolve, Freedom Sentinel, and Resolute Support, focusing on wartime effectiveness and peacetime efficiency. 

Shumaker joins the DLA Energy team from the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she commanded over 110 Air Force cadets in Cadet Squadron 34. During the course of her 15 years of service, Shumaker has earned two Master of Arts degrees in Military Operational Arts and Science and in Counseling and Leadership.

“To the men and women of DLA Energy Middle East, I look forward to working alongside each of you,” she said. “I feel very blessed to be joining such a great team.”

DLA Energy Middle East Deputy Director Bruce Jones said the number of attendees to the change of command ceremony was impressive.

“The appreciation of the Energy team as well as other DLA Distribution, Disposition, and Troop Support personnel here in Bahrain that add to the Joint Logistics Enterprise, and Host nation partners are indicative of the team environment, respect for a job done well and the promise of greater accomplishments under the command of Lt. Col. Shumaker,” he said.