New leadership takes the helm at the critical distribution center

Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Sigonella marked a change of command on May 29, with Navy Cmdr. Renae Renken transferring leadership to Navy Cmdr. Aaron Smith during a ceremony overseen by Brig. Gen. Kevin L. Cotman, commanding general of DLA Distribution. “Commander Renken has exemplified what it means to be a true team player, always collaborating across the joint force to ensure collective success,” said Cotman in remarks delivered during the ceremony.

Renken’s tour included the launch of a solar micro-grid designed to bolster continuity of operations through a blend of solar generation and battery storage. The system is intended to maintain the movement of more than 13,000 line items of inventory in support of warfighters even when infrastructure is uncertain.

Following the transition, Renken will join Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.

Smith, a Virginia Beach native, received his commission in 2008 after completing Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island. He holds a 2007 bachelor’s degree in homeland security and emergency preparedness from Virginia Commonwealth University and a 2021 MBA with a focus on acquisition and contract management from the Naval Postgraduate School. He is also a 2023 graduate of the Joint Combined Warfare School.

His sea duty includes roles as assistant supply officer aboard USS Winston S. Churchill in Norfolk, Virginia, and supply officer aboard USS Carter Hall in Little Creek, Virginia.

Ashore, Smith’s assignments span supply officer at Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station Sigonella; deputy director of military pay operations at the Defense Finance and Accounting Service in Cleveland; supervisory contracts negotiator at Naval Sea Systems Command in Washington; deputy director in DLA Headquarters’ 3-Star Strategic Initiatives Group at Fort Belvoir; and deputy chief of contracting for the Office of Special Projects at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling.

Smith is a Surface Warfare Supply Corps officer, a fully joint qualified officer (Level III), and a Defense Acquisition Professional since 2019, with certifications in contracting, business financial management and life-cycle logistics. His personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, along with multiple unit, campaign and service awards.