DLA Energy leaders focus on solutions to contested logistics problems in EUCOM, AFRICOM

Defense Logistics Agency Energy senior leaders met with DLA Europe & Africateams, U.S. military leaders and coalition partners from 18 countries during the 19th Fuel Exchange Agreements Forum in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, Sept. 17-19.

Deputy Director of DLA Energy Europe & Africa Darren Dunham said, "The invaluable aspect of the conference was the collaboration of the over 100 attendees through our international arrangements, which enables an additional mechanism for DLA Energy to find solutions to our contested logistics problem set in the U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command theaters."

DLA Energy Acquisition Executive and Head of the Contracting Activity Gabriela Earhardt stated that the conference was a forum that enabled collaboration, partnering and engagement to where conversation could be free and fluent.

"The DLA Fuel Exchange Agreements Forum this year was once again an excellent event that brought together our partners and allies with the opportunity to improve and develop our relationships, as well as strengthen our bonds in an environment of contested logistics through our fuel international agreements program," Earhardt said.

DLA Energy Europe & Africa's Chief of International Agreements Gerald Candelaria shared Earnhardt's sentiments.

"Imagine bringing together over 100 participants from18 countries including DLA Energy Europe & Africa, DLA Energy International Agreements, DLA Energy Finance team, foreign partners and U.S. military services," he said. "Now, envision an atmosphere to engage, foster new ideas, build relationships and strengthen alliances in support of contingency operations to real world events."

First time participant, Harald Klimmer, head of Austrian logistics directorate and representative for host nation support, said he valued his invitation to the conference.

"We were able to meet the DLA Energy's best contacts, adjust a very old agreement, finalize steps to ensure a proper Acquisition Cross-Service Agreements orders and strengthen our relationship," Klimmer said.

Desk Officer Clemens Pichler, saw an additional opportunity for DLA Energy and Austria to partner during the forum.

"There is a need for us, as a small country to work together for exercises and train with big players of the world," Pichler said. "DLA Acquisition Cross-Service Agreements orders will help us to exchange fuel services."

Capt. Demetris Loannides, a first-time attendee and staff officer for the National Guard general staff and logistics directorate in Cyprus, took advantage of the opportunity to learn about the capabilities of other nations and what DLA Energy Europe & Africa really does for the partners nations.

"I will transfer this knowledge and see how to apply it in my country," he said.

During the forum, DLA Energy Europe & Africa International Agreements team successfully validated and submitted invoices to the DLA Energy Finance and Accounting team resulting in over $93 million collected.

In response to this accomplishment, DLA Europe & Africa Commander Army Col. Adrian Sullivan said that the DLA Energy Fuel Exchange Agreement conference absolutely made it happen.

"We witnessed names on emails and voices from phone calls turn into trusting relationships with face-to-face engagements," Sullivan said. "We stand united together and support one another. It was an absolute pleasure attending this conference and I know we are all looking forward to the continued work ahead."

Mark your calendar for the next Energy Fuel Exchange Agreement in 2025!