# Leadership changes hands at DLA Distribution Bahrain

/ Published Aug. 8, 2023
BAHRAIN, Southwest Asia, 
Navy Cmdr. John A. Olabode took command of Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Bahrain from outgoing Navy Capt. Jeretta R. Dillon, during a change of command ceremony Aug. 8. Navy Capt. Marcus Jones, assistant chief of staff for logistics and infrastructure, with U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, officiated the ceremony.

Under Dillon’s leadership, DLA Distribution Bahrain consistently remained a top performer among all twenty-four global DLA Distribution centers. Under her leadership, DDNB also maintained DLA Distribution’s annual inventory accuracy goal of 98% for three consecutive years.

During the unprecedented initiative to deliver COVID-19 vaccines, without customs delays, to NSA Bahrain, Dillon’s partnership with the Kingdom of Bahrain’s National Health Regulatory Authority, FEDEX Middle East and Africa; and DLA Distribution Susquehanna, ensured U.S. Naval Central Command and deployed units met the Secretary of Defense’s 100% vaccination requirement.

DLA Distribution Bahrain manages a critical fleet touchpoint at the Material Processing Center at Al-Hidd. The MPC provides daily support to homeported patrol crafts, U.S. Coast Guard cutters, mine countermeasure ships, an expeditionary sea base ship, USNS Catawba; Regional Navy industrial activity; and shore establishments.

Team DDNB was also involved in the DLA-wide response to both the Afghanistan Refugee Operations and continued support to the U.S. European Command, delivering 950 supply orders to Isa Air Base, Bahrain, and other strained supply chains across the European Command.

Her continuous oversight, training and focus on effective safety led to zero on-duty mishaps during her tenure. As a leader, Dillon focused on culture, safety and accountability. She deliberately shaped her command in preparation for a modern, post-pandemic environment.

“Jetta, job well done. Your leadership and guidance have served DDNB well and I wish you fair winds and following seas as you make the short venture over to NAVCENT,” Jones said.

                Navy Capt. Jeretta Dillon, left, relinquished command of Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Bahrain, to Navy Cmdr. John A. Olabode, right, in a change of command ceremony at DLA Distribution Bahrain, Aug. 8, 2023.                            Leadership changes hands at DLA Distribution Bahrain                            Navy Capt. Jeretta Dillon, left, relinquished command of Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Bahrain, to Navy Cmdr. John A. Olabode, right, in a change of command ceremony at DLA Distribution Bahrain, Aug. 8, 2023.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Dawn BonsellVIRIN: 230808-D-D0441-0001

Jones then welcomed Olabode to the helm. A native of Los Angeles, California, Olabode has led a remarkable career. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering before enlisting in the Navy. He was commissioned through Officer Candidate School and holds an MBA as well as two Master of Science degrees in Operations Research and National Resource Strategy.

“Commander Olabode is no stranger to DLA. He previously worked at DLA Headquarters in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, as a deputy branch chief for the Metrics and Inventory Optimization team,” said Jones.

His other ashore assignments include the Program Executive Office, the DDG-1000 Program Office and Naval Sea Systems Command headquarters.

His afloat tours include the USS Kitty Hawk, forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, supply officer aboard the USS Arleigh Burke, Norfolk Virginia, deployed in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Persian Gulf and he also deployed on a Global War on Terrorism Assignment as a Joint Logistics Planner with the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, Djibouti.

Olabode was most recently assigned as the chief staff officer, OPNAV N83 Fleet Readiness Division, at the Pentagon.