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Energy South-West Pacific changes leadership

  • Published
  • By Connie Braesch
  • DLA Energy Public Affairs

Navy Cmdr. Angela Watson relinquished command of Defense Logistics Agency Energy South-West Pacific during a ceremony on Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, June 25.   

Navy Cmdr. Christopher Radke assumed command while DLA Indo-Pacific Commander Navy Capt. Jason Adams presided during the ceremony.  

“As a Navy fuelie, holding this command was my version of being at the tip of the spear,” Watson said. “This team supports the joint warfighter in DLA Energy’s largest area of responsibility, providing energy solutions in 22 nations…and we have never missed a beat!”

During the ceremony, Watson physically passed the DLA flag to Radke as a representation of the transfer of authority and responsibility for the mission and welfare of the organization from one commander to another. The flag, also called unit colors, represent not only history and pride of the unit but also the unity and loyalty of all its members, both military and civilian. 

Watson received the Defense Meritorious Service Medal for her accomplishments. The award citation noted her leadership led to the execution of over $343 million in sustainment funds and over $447 million in new military construction projects, revitalizing the fuel storage and handling infrastructure across the command. Her oversight of the Andersen Air Force Base Truck Offload facility project, valued at $22 million, provided a much-needed redundant fuel resupply capability for Andersen Air Force Base missions.

Following the ceremony, Watson retired from the Navy after 21 years of service. 

“This will be the hardest military assignment for me to leave, not because it is my last…which of course does make it unique…but because of this command’s amazing mission, the dedicated Energy South-West Pacific team which consistently goes above and beyond to get the job done, and the dedicated warfighters that we support,” she said.  

Radke joins the DLA Energy team from Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center Sigonella Site Naples in Italy where he was the Site Director. 

“I visited the former DLA Energy Pacific back in 2011. I was a young lieutenant and had no idea I would someday return as a commanding officer,” Radke said. “That day is today, and I could not be more excited to be a region commander in DLA Energy’s largest area of responsibility.”  

In his speech, Radke thanked Watson for her support as he and his family got acclimated to Guam and told her he was honored to continue her leadership.

Originally established in May 2009 as the Defense Energy Support Center Guam, DLA Energy South-West Pacific’s purpose is to position bulk petroleum stocks closer to areas of strategic importance and enable closer ties to the Warfighter. Today, the regional office is the most geographically dispersed with seven Defense Fuel Support Points and covering over one-quarter of the earth’s surface.