MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE ALBANY, Ga. -- One of MCLB Albany's tenant commands changed leadership in a ceremony here Tuesday.
Marine Lt. Col. Charles Thompson relinquished command of Defense Distribution Depot Albany, Ga., to Ed Slover, a Red Bank, N.J., native, who served as the deputy commanding officer for DDAG for the past two years.
Thompson, who has been the depot's commanding officer since June 2000, will go to the Industrial College of the Armed Forces at Fort McNair in Washington, a senior level school for logistics officers.
According to Thompson, his two-year tour here has been one of many highlights in his career. Successfully accomplishing DDAG's mission and taking care of the command's employees was one of the most rewarding achievements of his tour, he said.
Under ThompsonÕs leadership, the DDAG maintained the Army Prepositioning Afloat Program, the Force Provider Program and other logistical operations to support the warfighter.
Thompson said he appreciated the chance to command DDAG and to work with the employees.
"Anytime you have the opportunity to command, it's a great experience," said Thompson. "This is not something that every lieutenant colonel has the chance to do. Those of us who are afforded the opportunity to command are very fortunate."
The colonel-select reported he will always have fond memories of MCLB Albany.
"I appreciate all the support the Marines and the senior leadership have given to myself and DDAG, especially during this period of change," said Thompson. DDAG is preparing to operate as a Most Efficient Organization after winning an A-76 public/private competition for DLA. "I will always have a fond place in my heart for the MCLB Albany community."
The experience has been rewarding for Thompson, but he looks forward to the next step in his career. He also reported that he knows DDAG is in good hands.
"Mr. Slover is a professional and most capable. I consider him the right guy for the job," said Thompson. ÒHe has been my right hand during my tour here. It has definitely been a team effort."
Slover looks forward to continuing where Thompson left off.
"Lt. Col. Thompson has allowed me to do what I needed to accomplish the mission," said Slover, who agreed that the management of DDAG is a team effort.
Slover will be at the helm of DDAG, ensuring their Army Propositioning Afloat Program, Force Provider Program and other logistical support operations are running at optimum levels with adequate supply stocks.