DLA Energy commander visits Alaska, underscores strategic role in regional security

Defense Logistics Agency Energy Commander Navy Rear Adm. George Bresnihan visited DLA Energy Americas North in Alaska, underscoring the team's strategic importance in carrying out national security interests in the Arctic and Indo-Pacific regions.

Bresnihan's visit also reinforces DLA's broader priority to "set the globe" by positioning resources to enable sustained readiness and ensue energy resilience for warfighters operating in these critical regions.

"With the current threat environment, having a responsive and resilient energy supply chain is paramount to the warfighter's ability to effectively operate here," said Bresnihan.

DLA Energy Americas North is strategically located in Alaska, operating as a crucial resource for providing energy solutions to the Agency's warfighting partners at U.S. Northern Command, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and U.S. European Command.

During his visit, Bresnihan discussed operational capabilities and meeting fuel requirements with members of his leadership team including Army Col. Alphonso Simmons, the Commander of DLA Energy Americas, and Air Force Maj. Paul Stephens, the Commander of DLA Energy Americas North.

"Alaska is the frontline of our nation's defense," said Stephens. "Rest assured, team Americas North will continue to be prepared to support the warfighter in defending the homeland and enabling Indo-Pacific operations." Stephens noted that his team is the face of DLA when engaging with warfighters in Alaska, understanding their needs and delivering reliable fuel and energy solutions to them.

DLA Energy Americas North ensures a constant fuel supply for military operations in Alaska despite extreme weather conditions. Americas North personnel maintain a robust quality assurance program, certifying the fuel delivered to warfighters meets the necessary specifications. They also test alternate supply lines such as truck and rail to deliver fuel to the main installations in Alaska - Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and Eielson Air Force Base.

"With increasing strategic importance being placed on the Arctic, DLA Energy continues to assess its operations and infrastructure in Alaska to meet future demands," added Simmons.

Looking ahead, DLA Energy will continue to align its resources and capabilities to meet the needs of its military partners and address modernization efforts that transform the energy supply chains for greater speed, resilience and accuracy in forecasting future requirements.

"The DLA Energy Americas North team is a small team that punches well above its 'weight class' in impact to the department's mission," Bresnihan said.