DLA Land and Maritime welcomes new Acquisition Executive

COLUMBUS, Ohio -

Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime inducted a new member into the Senior Executive Service April 18. Robert Johnson took the oath of office during a ceremony at the Defense Supply Center Columbus presided by Commanding General Army Brig. Gen. Gail Atkins.

Johnson was selected earlier this year as DLA Land and Maritime's Acquisition Executive, a position tasked with leading the organization's acquisition efforts including strategic sourcing, planning, and research and development programs for the Land and Maritime supply chains.

Johnson was most recently the chief of contracting for the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center's Fighters and Advanced Aircraft Directorate at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio.

"This induction marks the recognition of multiple decades of honorable, dedicated and loyal service to our nation," Atkins said.

"Selecting Rob to become Land and Maritime's acquisition executive was the easiest [decision] I've had in my 22 months here at Land and Maritime," she added. "[His] 27 years of logistics expertise supporting multiple programs throughout the Air Force only highlight a smidge of the depth and breadth of acumen that [he has] brought and will continue to bring to the fight."

DLA Land and Maritime Deputy Commander Ken Watson, who emceed the event, spoke on the role of the Senior Executive Service as the conduit between the nation's political appointees and the federal workforce.

"As leaders of our federal civilian workforce, senior executives strive each day to create a more citizen-centered results-oriented government to reduce red tape and provide a vision and broad perspective for where we need to be in the future," Watson said.

Following their remarks, Atkins led Johnson through the recitation of the Oath of Office with his wife, Lisa, and three daughters. He was then presented with an SES flag and pin, permanently identifying him as an SES member.

After completing the oath, Johnson took the opportunity to thank his family - presenting flowers to his wife and gifts to his daughters - as an expression of his gratitude for their support throughout his career.

Reflecting on the responsibilities that come with his new position, Johnson addressed the Land and Maritime acquisition workforce.

"My role is to enable you," he said. "To me that means so many things. It means the mission, the execution role that we have, professional and personal development…please use me as that resource and don't hesitate when you see opportunities to do that. My door is always open."

"We have incredible challenges going forward and we've got a lot of work to do. I'm excited to be a part of it," he concluded.

A congratulatory reception immediately followed the induction ceremony.

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