Leadership changes hands at DCMA Afghanistan

Courtesy Photo | Defense Contract Management Agency Afghanistan subordinate commanders attended the recent change of command ceremony in Kabul, Afghanistan, with Army Col. D.D. Mayfield (second from left) replacing Army Col. John Jones as DCMA Afghanistan commander.  

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

08.05.2013

Story by Nick D'Amario 

Defense Contract Management Agency

KABUL, Afghanistan - Army Col. John Jones passed the Defense Contract Management Agency Afghanistan flag to Army Col. D.D. Mayfield during a recent ceremony officiated by Army Brig. Gen. James Simpson, commander of the Central Command Joint Theater Support Contracting Command.

During Jones’ one-year tour as DCMA Afghanistan commander, he led military and Department of Defense civilians in providing contract administrative services valued at $17 billion to more than 200 forward operating bases, camps and combat outposts.

At the ceremony, Jones expressed his appreciation for the DCMA staff that supported him. “It was a pleasure to get to know each and every one of them and I wish them well in continuing to Finish Strong,” he said.

Jones was featured in the recent “Finish Strong” campaign in which employees are encouraged to serve in Afghanistan and provide optimal support for closeout efforts. According to DCMA Director Charlie E. Williams, Jr., Finish Strong means “getting the right DCMA people to Afghanistan for the final stretch — people with the right skills, the right experiences, and the right attitude.”

One of Jones’ principal accomplishments while in command was the standardization of processes in a non-standard environment. This led to numerous improvements, such as:

Standardizing the Arming Authorizations process resulting in a 50 to 98 percent increase in approvals.

Overhauling contracting officer representative management training, and integration of property validation procedures resulting in a 35 percent increase in contract oversight.

Reducing contractor deficiencies by 60 percent.

Achieving 100 percent coverage of services.

Jones will be leaving Afghanistan and taking command of DCMA Dallas. “I am excited for a new opportunity and a new city,” he said. “I wish Col. Mayfield well, and I know he will not miss a beat.”

Mayfield’s most recent assignment was as the G3 deputy chief of staff for the Army Contracting Command in Redstone Arsenal, Ala. He was responsible for coordinating and synchronizing operations between the Expeditionary Contracting Command and its seven Contracting Support Brigades, Mission and Installation Contracting Command and its 36 directorates of contracting, as well as six subordinate Army Contracting Centers.

“These are exciting times for DCMA Afghanistan, our soldiers and civilian counterparts as we prepare to right size the organization in Afghanistan,” said Mayfield. “These are also challenging times for making critical decisions in reducing requirements and de-scoping contract actions throughout the Afghanistan Theater of Operation.”

As DCMA Afghanistan’s new commander, Mayfield will be committed to meeting the agency director’s intent in providing optimal support for closeout efforts.

Mayfield extends his gratitude to the 245 DCMA contracting, quality and property experts who recently answered the director’s call to fulfill the agency’s commitment to the Finish Strong drawdown mission.

"I thank all the professionals who signed up for the Finish Strong campaign. We are at the two-minute warning of the fourth quarter, and we are fielding our best line as we push toward the enduring footprint,” he said. “Together we will balance the reduction of personnel and equipment with our mission to deliver the best service our nation can provide to the warfighters. I look forward to watching you sprint onto the field, where our team will finish strong."

Mayfield said that in addition to being dedicated to ensuring warfighters receive the best service the nation can provide, he recognizes the important and critical role contractors have in this effort as they advance to the final phase of this operation. “We value them as an extension of our day-to-day business and as a proven combat multiplier."

• Date Taken: 08.05.2013
• Date Posted: 08.20.2013 11:59
• Story ID: 112274
• Location: KABUL, AF