D’Angelo assumes command of 448th SCMW in first-ever ceremony

  • Published
  • By Jillian Coleman
  • 72nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs

For the first time in the wing’s history, an exchange of flags representing a change in leadership took place between two distinguished Senior Executive Service civilians, Frank Washburn and Dennis D’Angelo, signaling the end and beginning of a new era in the Supply Chain Management Wing.

Commander of the Air Force Sustainment Center Lt. Gen. Lee K. Levy II, the presiding officer, spoke highly of both directors before exchanging the flags, offering affirmation and encouragement to D’Angelo and tremendous gratitude to Washburn during a formal ceremony Oct. 17 at the Tinker Club.

“[D'Angelo] is a rare breed of a leader,” Levy praised. “He’s a passionate Airman, passionate logistician and passionate aviator, a great combination and exactly what we want. Dennis, the people in this state will wrap their arms around you and love you as one of their own. This community loves their base.

Prior to joining the 448th SCMW, D’Angelo served as the deputy director of logistics and engineering for U.S. Central Command at MacDill Air Force Base. He was responsible for planning and synchronizing operational and strategic logistics and engineering efforts in the Central Command area of responsibility. Before serving at CENTCOM, the new director held down another joint assignment as the deputy director of logistics at U.S. Africa Command.

“[General Levy], thanks for having the faith in my ability to lead. [Washburn], thank you for your leadership. You leave a great legacy and I have big shoes to fill,” D’Angelo remarked, before addressing his new team. “And to the mighty 448th, I am honored to work with you. Know that there is no mission without a logistician, and you cannot fly without supply. It is our support that makes missions successful, so know that what you do is important and it is valued.”

The 448th SCMW is responsible for putting parts on the shelf not only for today, but for missions in the future. Training more and more pilots will be something prominent during D’Angelo’s reign and the continued stabilization of the nuclear enterprise remains paramount.

His predecessor received high remarks from the AFSC commander.

“With Frank’s innovative leadership and vision, we’re on the path to modernizing our supply chain information technology systems,” Levy said. “His relentless application of the Art of the Possible has increased the combat capability of America’s Air Force.”

Hallmarks of Washburn’s time in command included the implementation of the new ESCAPE system, an inventory tracking system designed to bring the 1960s technology system into the 21st century. Further recognized and presented with a Meritorious Civilian Medal, Washburn skillfully led a workforce of more than 2,900 military and civilian personnel over three geographically separate locations within the Air Force Sustainment Center.

The former director orchestrated an annual budget authority of more than $6.3 billion to provide sustainment to the Air Force, Army, Navy, federal agencies and multiple foreign allies worldwide, directly in support of 37 weapons systems and 12,000 engines.

Lastly, Washburn leveraged the Art of the Possible philosophy, propelling the wing’s $15.7 million contract award for enterprise supply chain analysis, planning and execution programs, which is estimated to save the Air Force $924 million.

“This is the only organization designated as a wing that is led by a civilian,” Washburn said. “I am humbled every single day and honored to serve with you and for you. I am extremely proud of the work you do. It is really hard to walk away from you, but I have confidence you will continue to thrive under [D’Angelo’s] leadership, so giddy up.”

D’Angelo assumes command of 448th SCMW in first-ever ceremony

  • Published
  • By Jillian Coleman
  • 72nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs

For the first time in the wing’s history, an exchange of flags representing a change in leadership took place between two distinguished Senior Executive Service civilians, Frank Washburn and Dennis D’Angelo, signaling the end and beginning of a new era in the Supply Chain Management Wing.

Commander of the Air Force Sustainment Center Lt. Gen. Lee K. Levy II, the presiding officer, spoke highly of both directors before exchanging the flags, offering affirmation and encouragement to D’Angelo and tremendous gratitude to Washburn during a formal ceremony Oct. 17 at the Tinker Club.

“[D'Angelo] is a rare breed of a leader,” Levy praised. “He’s a passionate Airman, passionate logistician and passionate aviator, a great combination and exactly what we want. Dennis, the people in this state will wrap their arms around you and love you as one of their own. This community loves their base.

Prior to joining the 448th SCMW, D’Angelo served as the deputy director of logistics and engineering for U.S. Central Command at MacDill Air Force Base. He was responsible for planning and synchronizing operational and strategic logistics and engineering efforts in the Central Command area of responsibility. Before serving at CENTCOM, the new director held down another joint assignment as the deputy director of logistics at U.S. Africa Command.

“[General Levy], thanks for having the faith in my ability to lead. [Washburn], thank you for your leadership. You leave a great legacy and I have big shoes to fill,” D’Angelo remarked, before addressing his new team. “And to the mighty 448th, I am honored to work with you. Know that there is no mission without a logistician, and you cannot fly without supply. It is our support that makes missions successful, so know that what you do is important and it is valued.”

The 448th SCMW is responsible for putting parts on the shelf not only for today, but for missions in the future. Training more and more pilots will be something prominent during D’Angelo’s reign and the continued stabilization of the nuclear enterprise remains paramount.

His predecessor received high remarks from the AFSC commander.

“With Frank’s innovative leadership and vision, we’re on the path to modernizing our supply chain information technology systems,” Levy said. “His relentless application of the Art of the Possible has increased the combat capability of America’s Air Force.”

Hallmarks of Washburn’s time in command included the implementation of the new ESCAPE system, an inventory tracking system designed to bring the 1960s technology system into the 21st century. Further recognized and presented with a Meritorious Civilian Medal, Washburn skillfully led a workforce of more than 2,900 military and civilian personnel over three geographically separate locations within the Air Force Sustainment Center.

The former director orchestrated an annual budget authority of more than $6.3 billion to provide sustainment to the Air Force, Army, Navy, federal agencies and multiple foreign allies worldwide, directly in support of 37 weapons systems and 12,000 engines.

Lastly, Washburn leveraged the Art of the Possible philosophy, propelling the wing’s $15.7 million contract award for enterprise supply chain analysis, planning and execution programs, which is estimated to save the Air Force $924 million.

“This is the only organization designated as a wing that is led by a civilian,” Washburn said. “I am humbled every single day and honored to serve with you and for you. I am extremely proud of the work you do. It is really hard to walk away from you, but I have confidence you will continue to thrive under [D’Angelo’s] leadership, so giddy up.”