# McGovern departs DLA Distribution Corpus Christi and Autrey takes command

/ Published May 7, 2021
NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa., 
Texas native Army Lt. Col. Cody Autrey took command of Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Corpus Christi, Texas, from outgoing commander Army Lt. Col. Justin McGovern in a change of command ceremony May 7.

Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Keith D. Reventlow, commanding general, DLA Distribution Headquarters, presided over the ceremony. “During his time here at DDCT, Justin demonstrated strategic vision, strong commitment to DLA values, bold initiative, exceptional creativity and brilliant leadership during a critical time of operations and security,” Reventlow said.

McGovern was awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal for his outstanding achievements as DDCT commander from June 2019 to May 2021, in support of Operations Freedom’s Sentinel and Inherent Resolve. During this period, Peth’s extraordinary leadership and exceptional creativity resulted in substantial contributions to the readiness of United States Armed Forces. He effectively led a cohesive and multi-functional workforce of 83 logistics professionals across multiple locations and successfully expanded the theater’s only Enterprise forward-positioned stock to 20,400-line items valued at $132 million.

McGovern’s efforts provided improved performance in support of customers. His leadership embraced the DLA operational goals and ensured standard practices were in place to support the warfighter by delivering the right part to the right place, on time, every time. His relentless commitment to stewardship excellence was on constant display and he explored every opportunity to maximize performance during operations.

Autrey, replacing McGovern at the helm of DDCT, graduated from Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, with a Bachelor of Science in 2003 and was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in the Quartermaster Corps with a branch detail to the Infantry. His first assignment was with the 1/509th Parachute Infantry Regiment at Fort Polk, Louisiana, where he served as an Infantry Rifle Platoon leader. Following the Combined Logistics Captain’s Career Course, Autrey deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as an advisor to the Iraqi National Police. He was then assigned to the 49th Quartermaster Group, Fort Lee, Virginia, and reactivated the 64th Transportation Company. He deployed the 64th Transportation Company in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom/New Dawn. Upon redeployment, he served as the aide de camp to the commander of the Sustainment Center of Excellence.

Autrey was then assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade, Fort Stewart, Georgia, where he served as the Distribution Integration Branch chief while deployed to Operation Enduring Freedom. Upon redeployment he served as the Brigade S3 and the Support Operations Officer for 87th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion where he supported the Multinational Force and Observers in Egypt. He was then assigned to the 13th Expeditionary Sustainment Command and served as a G5 Planner and the secretary of the general staff. Autrey then served as the Deputy G4 for the 1st Cavalry Division and deployed as the Train Advise Assist Command – South deputy CJ4. Upon redeployment, he served as the 1st Cavalry Division Sustainment Brigade support operations officer. Upon reassignment, he served as the G4 for the Maneuver Center of Excellence Headquarters in Fort Benning, Georgia.