# DLA Energy Okinawa changes leadership

/ Published June 8, 2023
FORT BELVOIR, Va., 
                From left to right, Defense Logistics Agency Indo-Pacific Commander Navy Capt. Patrick Blake, DLA Energy Okinawa incoming Commander Air Force Maj. Kevin Knutson, and DLA Energy Okinawa outgoing Commander Air Force Maj. Anthony Anderson applaud during a change of command ceremony on Camp Shields, Japan, June 6, 2023. Photo courtesy of DLA Energy Okinawa                            DLA Energy Okinawa changes leadership                            From left to right, Defense Logistics Agency Indo-Pacific Commander Navy Capt. Patrick Blake, DLA Energy Okinawa incoming Commander Air Force Maj. Kevin Knutson, and DLA Energy Okinawa outgoing Commander Air Force Maj. Anthony Anderson applaud during a change of command ceremony on Camp Shields, Japan, June 6, 2023. Photo courtesy of DLA Energy Okinawa            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Photo courtesy of DLA Energy OkinawaVIRIN: 230606-D-D0441-901

Air Force Maj. Kevin Knutson assumed command of Defense Logistics Agency Energy Okinawa during a change of command ceremony on Camp Shields, Japan, June 6.

The outgoing commander, Air Force Maj. Anthony Anderson, has been in command since May 2021.

“The success of our small, 130-member U.S. and Japanese team is absolutely a result of teamwork and partnership,” Anderson said. “They take on the task every day of ensuring top quality fuel support to our warfighting partners while running a laboratory and sustaining systems across six installations. They make success look easy.”

DLA Indo-Pacific Commander Navy Capt. Patrick Blake officiated the ceremony and commended Anderson for his leadership.

“Command is the pinnacle of success in an officer's career,” Blake said. “As the commander for DLA Energy Okinawa, you have consistently and professionally focused on what needed to be done with an eye toward visualizing the future. I congratulate you on the excellent job you have done here.”

Blake presented Anderson the Defense Meritorious Service Medal for achievements including his role in spearheading 312 million gallons of fuel shipments and sales worth $566 million. The outgoing commander also steered $94 million in projects and quality-of-life initiatives within Okinawa, according to the citation.

Anderson spoke highly of DLA Energy Okinawa team members, thanking them for their hard work and dedication to the mission.

“I am sad to leave this great team behind,” he said. “Kevin, you’re taking command of a great group of professionals who, above all else, are just great people. Help them to continue down the path of success and enjoy the great times together with them. I know I did.”

Anderson will head to the Army Command and General Staff College and Knutson just graduated from Air Command and Staff College.

“Thank you to Maj. Anthony Anderson for the fantastic transition,” Knutson said. “Thank you for leaving me with the opportunity to be part of an organization that is deeply committed to supporting the warfighter and already performing at the levels of excellence only achieved by dedicated professionals.”

Military commanders lead DLA Energy worldwide offices that support fuel and energy-related missions in the respective regions including DLA Energy Americas in Texas; DLA Energy Europe & Africa in Germany; DLA Energy Middle East in Bahrain; DLA Energy East Pacific in Hawaii; DLA Energy South-West Pacific in Guam; DLA Energy Japan and DLA Energy Korea.