Leadership changes hands at DLA Distribution Susquehanna

Leadership at Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Susquehanna, Pennsylvania, officially changed hands from Navy Capt. Andy Henwood to Army Col. Christopher Urynowicz in a ceremony presided over by Army Brig. Gen. Kevin Cotman, commanding general, DLA Distribution, June 25 at Defense Distribution Center Susquehanna, Pennsylvania.

During the ceremony, Cotman praised the DLA Distribution Susquehanna team for their crucial role in global military operations.

"What happens here on the banks of the Susquehanna River is felt thousands of miles away by men and women you will never meet - sailors at sea, soldiers in the field, airmen on the flightline, Marines forward deployed and guardians operating around the globe," Cotman said.

Cotman also commended Henwood's leadership and the enduring culture of the organization.

"Great organizations are not defined by a single leader," Cotman said. "They are defined by the people, the standards and the culture that endure through transition. For decades, generations of leaders and logisticians have passed through these gates. Each strived to leave this organization stronger than they found it."

In his farewell remarks, Henwood reflected on his time as commander and the profound impact of the workforce.

"DLA Distribution Susquehanna is more than just the largest distribution center in the Department of War. It is more than just a pillar of the Defense Logistics Agency. This command, this team, is the bedrock of global military readiness," Henwood said. "Every box you pick, every pallet you pack, every truck you load is a lifeline. It's a critical rotor blade for a helicopter in the Pacific; it's a life-saving medical supply kit for a corpsman in Europe; it's the meal that sustains a soldier thousands of miles from home. Never lose sight of that. What you do here matters in ways you can't even imagine. Our warfighters are successful because you are dedicated. They are lethal because you are precise. They are ready because you are ready."

Henwood expressed his gratitude to the civilian and military personnel who power the facility.

"It has been the greatest honor and the most rewarding tour of my professional life to serve as your commander," Henwood said. "This team is defined by a patriotism, a work ethic and a character that is second to none. Thank you for your trust, thank you for your hard work and thank you for the privilege of leading you. I leave here knowing, without a doubt, that DLA Distribution Susquehanna is in the best possible hands: yours. You are stronger, more resilient, and more prepared for the future than ever before."

In welcoming the incoming commander, Cotman expressed his full confidence in Urynowicz's ability to lead the organization forward.

"The next two years will bring challenges and opportunities that no one can fully predict. But I know you will lead this team through them with dignity, respect and honor," Cotman stated.

Addressing his new team for the first time, Urynowicz shared his enthusiasm for the mission ahead.

"We have a lot of work ahead of us, but there is no team in the Department of War I would rather be stepping into the arena with," Urynowicz said. "To the men and women of DLA Distribution Susquehanna, please know that you were my number one choice of assignment. I asked to come here, first and above all others, because of your reputation and the challenge of the nation's work we are asked to do here. I look forward to working shoulder-to-shoulder with you as we continue to set the global standard for logistics excellence."

A native of Boonville, New York, Urynowicz was commissioned as a U.S. Marine Corps second lieutenant in 2001 before transitioning to the U.S. Army. His extensive career includes multiple deployments to Kuwait, Afghanistan, and for Operation Inherent Resolve. He has served in various key roles, including operations and logistics officer, company commander with the 10th Mountain Division, and brigade S-4 for the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.

Prior to his current command, Urynowicz's assignments included serving at the Pentagon with the Department of the Army Inspector General's Assistance Division, acting as the military deputy for the Army Customer Operations Division at DLA Weapons Support (formerly DLA Aviation), and most recently serving as the 10th Mountain Division G-4 and G-5. He is a graduate of the U.S. Army War College and holds a master's degree in transportation policy, operations, and logistics from George Mason University. His awards include the Bronze Star Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal with silver oak leaf cluster.