Photo By Monique Randolph | DLA Director Navy Vice Adm. Mark Harnitchek (center) passes the DLA Central flag to...... read more read more
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MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. - Army Col. Mark McCormick took command of Defense Logistics Agency Central from Army Col. Michael Bird at a ceremony July 20 at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.
Members of DLA Central gathered to welcome McCormick, the former commandant of the Army Logistics University at Fort Lee, Va., and bid farewell to Bird, who retired after more than 26 years of service.
“When we say DLA is working side by side with America’s warfighters, Mike and the exceptional team of professionals at DLA Central are at the heart of what we’re talking about,” said DLA Director Navy Vice Adm. Mark Harnitchek, who officiated the change of command ceremony. “DLA Central enjoys a fabulous reputation among the leaders at U.S. Central Command, and that starts at the top with Mike Bird.”
Harnitchek praised Bird for the work he did during his three years in command.
“Mike has been in the hot corner of the logistics fight for the past three years,” Harnitchek said. “From the draw down in Iraq, surges into Afghanistan, the closure of the Pakistan ground routes and the worst winter in recorded Afghan history… it has been literally nonstop, and Mike and his team have responded with significant actions that were urgently executed. Mike is my go-to guy for anything happening in USCENTCOM and one of my main go-to people of any rank or role across an agency of nearly 27,000 people.”
Harnitchek highlighted Bird’s role in managing the “gargantuan task” of moving military equipment and excess material out of Iraq and ensuring a smooth transition of food and fuel support to the State Department in that country late last year.
Bird attributed the success of those missions to DLA Central’s military and civilian employees.
“I have been truly blessed to command this phenomenal team of professionals who never faltered or failed,” he said. “They clearly have the warfighters’ requirements and best interests in the forefront of all they do. From the front lines in Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan, I’ve never been more impressed with a group of individuals who tackled the warfighters’ toughest logistical challenges with a charismatic and selfless attitude while serving in the most arduous of environments.”
Harnitchek also welcomed McCormick to the DLA leadership team.
“The good thing about this change of command is we get to bring another exceptional leader on board who will continue the great work of his predecessor,” Harnitchek said. “Col. Mark McCormick’s exceptional experience and knowledge will greatly enhance DLA Central’s support to the warfighter.”
McCormick served at the former Defense Distribution Center, now DLA Distribution, in New Cumberland, Pa., from 2006 to 2008. He commanded a transportation battalion in Yongsan, Korea, and spent a year in Iraq as the personal advisor to the Iraqi army chief of staff for logistics.
“I actively sought out this position, and I’m looking forward to the new challenges it presents,” McCormick said. “DLA Central is known for its responsiveness and for getting the mission done, and we will continue to stay the course and carry on that great tradition.”
Following the change of command, Bird’s brother, Navy Vice Adm. John Bird, director of the Navy Staff, presented the colonel with a retirement pen and certificate.
“Mike’s career story is better than I can tell,” Vice Adm. Bird said. “Mike’s service has been characterized by deep patriotic pride, unflagging professionalism, gifted leadership and self sacrifice in the pursuit of a greater cause.”
Col. Bird closed the ceremony by recognizing all the family members and DLA employees in attendance, as well as the Soldiers, mentors and colleagues with whom he served throughout his career.
“I love my country, I love serving my country, and I’ve been honored and privileged to lead our national treasures in battle,” Bird said. “It’s hard to believe I have to grow up now and figure out what I want to be, but my thoughts are I’m going to continue to serve God, community and my great country…because without a team and love of country, I am nothing.”
| Date Taken: | 07.23.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 08.09.2012 19:27 |
| Story ID: | 92947 |
| Location: | MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, FLORIDA, US |
| Web Views: | 299 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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