Change of command at DLA Energy Indo-Pacific South-West

Navy Cmdr. Justin Gay has taken command of the Defense Logistics Agency Energy Indo-Pacific South-West, succeeding Navy Capt. Scott McCarthy in a May 15 ceremony at the Sunrise Conference Center on Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. Navy Rear Adm. George Bresnihan, DLA Energy commander, presided over the event.

“Under Scott’s leadership, the command has consistently proven that they can navigate complex, contested logistics,” Bresnihan said. “Indeed, this team’s success is a testament to Scott’s superb guidance and direction.”

DLA Energy Indo-Pacific South-West manages the petroleum, oil and lubricants supply chain across one-quarter of the earth’s surface, the agency said, supporting uninterrupted fuel sustainment for joint and coalition forces in 20 countries. The Guam-based command is DLA Energy’s most geographically dispersed region.

Reflecting on nearly three years in charge, McCarthy pointed to the unit’s work through extreme weather, infrastructure upgrades and operational surges across the theater. “The defining characteristic of this command has been our ability to turn logistical challenges into operational victories,” McCarthy said. “We navigated the aftermath of the strongest typhoon to hit Guam in decades, modernized critical infrastructure, and fueled complex multinational exercises and real-world operations in some of the most austere places in the world. I am incredibly proud of this team’s dedication, proficiency and responsiveness. We ensured that no matter the crisis, our joint force never had to worry about having the fuel they need to win.”

Under McCarthy, the team directed $2.1 billion of critical storage and 185 fuel support contracts, and oversaw the safe transfer of 1.2 billion gallons of fuel enabling more than 40 military exercises each year, according to DLA. The command also managed a 1,153% spike in fuel demand at Diego Garcia, executing emergent resupply missions that supported three Carrier Strike Groups and two Amphibious Readiness Groups operating in the Arabian Sea during high-tempo periods.

McCarthy’s next assignment will be as deputy commodore for Commander, Logistics Forces U.S. Naval Forces Central Command in Bahrain.

Gay arrives after serving as director of regional services for Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center Yokosuka, where he led more than 350 personnel across 13 sites and oversaw the processing of 17.5 million pounds of mail, 67,000 household goods shipments, and the retrograde of more than $4 billion in repairable equipment. He previously served as fuels officer for Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

“Justin, your career showcases your dedication to the mission, and I know you will seamlessly assume the mantle of leadership and guide this team to even greater heights on behalf of our great nation and the warfighter,” Bresnihan said.