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COLUMBUS, Ohio — With all the formal trappings of a military change-of-command ceremony, Navy Capt. David Pimpo, who has been selected for promotion to rear admiral, became the 24th commander of Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime in Columbus, Ohio, July 2.
DLA Director Navy Vice Adm. Mark Harnitchek officiated the ceremony. Relinquishing command was Army Brig. Gen. Darrell Williams, who received the Defense Superior Service Medal during the event.
"I’m thrilled to be here for this change of command and to once again recognize the exceptional Land and Maritime workforce here in the great state of Ohio and everywhere they serve,” Harnitchek said. “You represent the best in DLA as you relentlessly work to advance logistics support to our nation’s warfighters.”
Harnitchek went on to say that the members of the workforce in Columbus are more than just government employees.
“In my view you are truly civil servants in every sense of that phrase,” he said. “And that is because, like those who wear the uniform, you also serve our great nation and the Department of Defense.
“And what you do here in this great place, the logistics miracles you make happen every day, could not be done by just any employee. But they can and they are being done by this great team of civil servants here in Columbus. You have a great reputation now for over 30 years. So thanks again to all of you for your exceptional service to our great nation and the men and women who wear the cloth of our nation,” Harnitchek stated.
Harnitchek praised Williams for his work at DLA Land and Maritime.
“Darrell, I speak for the entire DLA team when I tell you how honored we are to have had you here in Columbus and of your accomplishments here in Ohio. You have had a hallmark tour and you’re leaving behind a record of incredible accomplishments,” he said. “Darrell has an outstanding track record of leadership here at DLA. He brings intelligence, vision, commitment and practical wisdom to everything he does, with a clear understanding of what’s right and best for the men and women in uniform and in the civil service.
“He is a strategic thinker in every sense of the word who has that rare ability to frame an issue or a problem in a way that everyone can understand it and then formulate the big things needed to do something about it,” Harnitchek continued. “DLA Land and Maritime has flourished as an organization under the leadership of Darrell Williams. If I recounted all the fabulous things that you did as the leader of this great team here in Columbus, we’d be here most of the morning.”
The director then recognized Pimpo.
“Rear Adm. Select David Pimpo is an officer with a magnificent track record and comes from a family with years of dedicated service to the nation. I am personally thrilled and proud to have you as a member of DLA’s senior leadership team, and I know that you will continue the momentum of this great Land and Maritime team and lead with the same sort of firm eternal optimism and endless enthusiasm that made you a standout in Navy logistics.”
Williams reviewed the accomplishments and strides DLA Land and Maritime has made during the past two years and thanked DLA Land and Maritime employees for all their hard work.
“Before coming here as your commander in September of 2010, I had only been a customer of DLA. I had only ordered ‘stuff’ and it magically appeared. After 21 months, I now understand what happens behind the curtain and the voice of DLA. It’s really, really very powerful. As Admiral Harnitchek said, ‘within the realm of logistics there is nothing this agency can’t accomplish.’ The breadth and scope of this $46 billion enterprise, $5 billion of that being DLA Land and Maritime in support of our troops around the globe, is absolutely phenomenal,” Williams said.
“I count myself fortunate to have served with each and every one of you,” the general added.
Williams’ told of how honored he was to preside over the funerals of 11 Soldiers during his tour as commander. He saluted the family members of one of those Soldiers, Pfc. Shane Reifert, who drove from Michigan to attend the change of command.
Williams saluted Pimpo, saying, “It feels good to be turning the reins over to such a high-quality officer and leader. In my brief time knowing Dave it is clear that he will do an exceptional job.”
He concluded by thanking his wife, daughter, son, family and close friends for their support during his 29-year career.
Following Williams' remarks, the formal change of command took place as Williams presented the DLA Land and Maritime command flag to Harnitchek, who in turn presented it to Pimpo.
In his first words as DLA Land and Maritime commander, Pimpo said, “I am honored to lead DLA Land and Maritime and look forward to continue to build on the strong foundation General Williams and his team have established.
“My dream of moving to Columbus, Ohio, has finally come true. But it didn’t exactly happen the way that I thought it would. As a young boy growing up just a few hours north in Strongsville, Ohio, it was my dream to come to Columbus and play football for coach Woody Hayes at ‘The’ Ohio State University,” Pimpo said.
“But the good news of all is I still get to move to Columbus, and the best news of all is that I get to come here not to play football but to have the privilege to lead the men and women of DLA Land and Maritime.
“I’ve had a chance to learn during my orientation about what you and this command are all about. It is clear to me that this team is every bit as good as advertised. Your reputation is rock solid. And I am excited to work with you in supporting the most technologically advanced and lethal fighting force this planet has ever seen.
“Make no mistake, we are going to face challenges over the next few years, but we’re going to address them head on and overcome them together as a civilian, military and contractor team. We are going to execute Admiral Harnitchek’s vision; we are going to be innovative; we are going to be aggressive; and we’re going to achieve new levels of warfighter satisfaction. Why am I so confident? Because we are DLA Land and Maritime,” Pimpo said.
Music for the ceremony was provided by the 122nd Army National Guard Band. The joint service color guard for the event was provided by members of the U.S. Army Columbus Recruiting Battalion. The national anthem was sung by Velvet Liles from Defense Finance and Accounting Service Columbus, and “God Bless America” was sung by Regina Westbrook from DLA Land and Maritime’s Maritime Supplier Operations.
| Date Taken: | 07.02.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 07.16.2012 14:54 |
| Story ID: | 91616 |
| Location: | COLUMBUS, OHIO, US |
| Web Views: | 130 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Pimpo takes command of DLA Land and Maritime; Williams honored, by John Foreman, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
