# DLA Energy Americas East changes command

/ Published June 28, 2023
FORT BELVOIR, Va. , 
Defense Logistics Agency Energy Americas East welcomed a new commander during a change of command ceremony in Houston, Texas, June 26.

Army Lt. Col. Thaddeus Douthitt assumed command from Army Lt. Col. Chris Masson during the time-honored military ceremony. DLA Energy Americas Commander Army Col. Josielyn Carrasquillo officiated the ceremony and thanked Masson for his leadership.

                Defense Logistics Agency Energy Americas East welcomed a new commander during a change of command ceremony in Houston, Texas, June 26. Army Lt. Col. Thaddeus Douthitt (back) assumed command from Army Lt. Col. Chris Masson (middle) and DLA Energy Americas Commander Army Col. Josielyn Carrasquillo (front) officiated the time-honored military ceremony. Photo by DLA Americas East Don Dean.                            DLA Energy Americas East changes of command                            Defense Logistics Agency Energy Americas East welcomed a new commander during a change of command ceremony in Houston, Texas, June 26. Army Lt. Col. Thaddeus Douthitt (back) assumed command from Army Lt. Col. Chris Masson (middle) and DLA Energy Americas Commander Army Col. Josielyn Carrasquillo (front) officiated the time-honored military ceremony. Photo by DLA Americas East Don Dean.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Photo by DLA Americas East Don Dean.VIRIN: 230626-D-D0441-901

“We know that behind a successful organization is a great leader who provides purpose, direction, and motivation,” Carrasquillo said. “In Americas East, we had more than that. We had the blessing to have a leader who understood the real meaning of taking care of people and mission.”

In recognition of his two years in command of DLA Energy’s largest field level command, Carrasquillo presented Masson with the Defense Meritorious Service Medal. The region includes over $2.9 billion in energy contracts and over 3.3 billion gallons of fuel supporting the Warfighter and inter-agency missions.

“Without a collaborative and synergistic relationship, we couldn’t have accomplished many of our initiatives,” Masson said speaking of the support he received both up and down the chain of command. “I’m so proud of this team and everything they did these past two years.”

Masson’s next assignment is with the 6th Battalion, 1st Security Force Assistance Brigade at Fort Moore, Georgia.

Douthitt brings a wealth of joint operations experience to the DLA Energy team.

“Thad comes to us with a very diverse background including serving as an officer in the Air Force and Army,” Carrasquillo said. “Thad embraces the real meaning of jointness and will enhance our operations with his experiences, assignments, knowledge and backgrounds.”

He thanked Masson for the smooth transition.

“You will be a hard act to follow, but you are leaving me a great team,” Douthitt said. “I am honored for this opportunity and excited to lead the Americas East team.”

DLA Energy Americas is divided into three offices: DLA Energy Americas East at Houston, Texas; DLA Energy Americas West at Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach, California; and DLA Energy Americas North in Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. DLA Energy Americas also partners with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and contingency contractors for bulk petroleum support for natural or man-made disasters occurring in the U.S in support of Defense Support of Civil Authorities.