DLA Distribution Yokosuka Welcomes Bach As New Commander
Story and photo by Kazuyuki Takagi, CFAY Public Affairs


(Left) Cmdr. Paul Bourgeois relinquishes command of Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Distribution Yokosuka, Japan to Cmdr. Eric Bach during a change of command ceremony July 27. 国防兵站庁 (DLA) 横須賀流通の司令官交代式が7月27日に行われ、ポール・ブジュア中佐に代わり、エリック・バック中佐が新司令官に就任。


(Left) DLA Distribution Deputy Commander William H. Budden presents Cmdr. Paul Bourgeois the Defense Meritorious Service medal during the DLA Distribution Yokosuka, Japan change of command ceremony held on board Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka July 27. 式典のゲストスピーカーを務めたDLA流通本部副司令官ウィリアム・H・バドン氏から任期を全うしたとして国防功績章を授与されるブジュア中佐

Cmdr. Paul Bourgeois relinquished command of Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Distribution Yokosuka, Japan to Cmdr. Eric Bach during a change of command ceremony July 27.

The ceremony, which was held at the Fleet Theater aboard Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY), was attended by U.S. military and civilian personnel, Japanese civilian employees and Japan Self-Defense Force personnel.

“Everyone here has given me a gift during this tour,” said Bourgeois. “Small or big, you are all part of the success of DLA Distribution Yokosuka Japan over the past nearly 39 months,”

Bourgeois assumed command of the DLA Distribution Yokosuka, Japan (then Defense Distribution Depot Yokosuka, Japan) May 23, 2007.

“Three years and almost three months ago, I stood before you and said the change of command ceremony was not about me as I had yet to prove myself to you,” said Bourgeois. “Now, as I prepare to leave, I leave here humbled and honored. I leave here having received much more than I could possibly have given and I leave here a better person and a better naval officer.”

DLA Distribution Deputy Commander William H. Budden was the guest speaker for the ceremony and presented Bourgeois with a Defense Meritorious Service Medal for his service while assigned to a joint activity.

In his speech, Bourgeois thanked the DLA Distribution Yokosuka, Japan staff, Sailors, civilians as well as the Japan Self-Defense Forces.

“Working and living in Japan over the last three years has been an incredible experience. And, as I thought about what truly made this experience so enriching, it was not how many ships were loaded or pallets delivered but rather, the people with whom I have worked and the friends we have made,” said Bourgeois. “Many of our friends are here with us today and though some have had to leave before we did, know that no matter where this journey takes us, you will always be welcome wherever we are.”

Afterward, in traditional fashion, Bourgeois read his orders and relinquished command to Bach, who then assumed command as the 7th commander of DLA Distribution Yokosuka, Japan.

The new commander took time to express his desire to DLA Distribution Yokosuka, Japan staff. Bach served as director of the operations department of U.S. Fleet and Industrial Supply Center (FISC) Yokosuka before he was assigned to DLA Distribution Yokosuka, Japan.

“During my time at FISC Yokosuka, I observed how you make the seemingly impossible, possible and make the difficult look routine – all on behalf of the customer,” said Bach. “Your reputation as one of the premier DLA Distribution locations in the world is both well deserved and widely known.

One thing that I’ve learned about the western pacific area of responsibility, though, is that new opportunities often present themselves when you least expect them. But, I know, that working together, we will be successful in meeting each new challenge and in taking our support of the war fighter to even greater heights. You have my solemn pledge that, as your commander, I will work tirelessly alongside you to accomplish our vital mission.”

Recently, the name of the command was changed from Defense Distribution Depot, Yokosuka, Japan to DLA Distribution Yokosuka, Japan.

According to DLA Distribution repesentitives, DLA launched a new initiative called “We Are DLA” July 19 in an effort to create a single-agency environment among its customers and its global workforce.

The distribution arm of DLA, Defense Distribution Center, located in New Cumberland, Pa., is now called DLA Distribution. Its 25 distribution centers and mapping offices are also renamed to reflect their affiliation with the DLA enterprise.

DLA Distribution Yokosuka, Japan is the largest outside continental United States DLA activity and is strategically located to provide joint distribution support throughout the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf.

The command headquarters and primary functional sites are located at Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka; three other sites include Commander Fleet Activities Sasebo, Commander Fleet Activities Okinawa, and Yokohama North Dock.