CNO recognizes DLA Distribution deputy commander for logistics surge support

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle recognized Jimmy Martinez, deputy commander, Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Sigonella, Italy, presenting him with a CNO challenge coin during an all-hands call onboard Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy, Oct. 5, 2026.

Joined by Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy John Perryman during a theater-wide engagement, Caudle highlighted Martinez's exceptional leadership and operational agility during an unprecedented logistics surge that directly preserved combat readiness across the Mediterranean and Middle East theaters.

The recognition stemmed from events in April, when operations at another distribution center were impacted, abruptly shifting support to forward-theater sustainment onto DLA Distribution Sigonella. Under Martinez's direction, DLA Distribution Sigonella absorbed the increased mission, executing the transshipment of more than 4,000 critical pieces of high-priority fleet materiel in just 30 days. The high-tempo surge represented approximately 90% of the distribution center's total calendar year 2025 volume, delivered in a single month to sustain real-time operations for both the Gerald R. Ford and Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Groups.

For Martinez, navigating an operation of that magnitude was a testament to the resilience and dedication of the DLA Distribution Sigonella workforce.

"I am truly honored to receive this recognition, but I see it as a reflection of the incredible team we have here at DLA Distribution Sigonella," Martinez said. "What our team accomplished in April was no small task. Moving that quantity of fleet materiel in such a short timeframe required everyone to come together, stay flexible and keep the mission moving when it mattered most."

Martinez stressed that the command's operational success was made possible by personnel stepping up across the organization.

"What I am most proud of is our people," Martinez said. "They stepped up without hesitation, supported one another, and remained focused on taking care of the warfighter. As deputy commander, I take great pride in making sure our team has what they need to be successful and ensuring that their hard work never goes unnoticed.

"This recognition may have my name attached to it, but it belongs to the entire DLA Distribution Sigonella team. They are the reason our command continues to run smoothly and successfully even when the mission asks more of us than expected. I am incredibly proud to serve alongside them and grateful to be recognized."

Navy Cmdr. Aaron Smith, commander, DLA Distribution Sigonella, emphasized that Martinez's leadership skills, dedication and experience directly contributed to DLA Distribution Sigonella's ability to surge to mission requirements.

"Jimmy is the epitome of a deck-plate leader whose influence and reputation are deeply respected not just within our command, but across our tenant commands in Sigonella and throughout the entire area of responsibility," Smith said. "He consistently leads by example and is renowned for his ability to bring out the absolute best in his people, even during our most challenging operations. This CNO challenge coin isn't just for a single moment in time, it is a direct reflection of the sustained superior performance Jimmy emulates every single day."

Smith highlighted the broader significance of recognizing high-performing personnel in forward environments, where command culture directly translates into warfighter readiness.

"As the commander, it's my job to recognize my top performers, and it's essential that I reward excellence at every opportunity," Smith said. "When we spotlight leaders like Jimmy, we show the entire command what right looks like and reinforce the high standards that drive DLA Distribution Sigonella's mission success."

Operating as a strategic Material Processing Center at the crossroads of the Mediterranean, DLA Distribution Sigonella functions as a vital logistics node connecting DLA's global supply chain to forces operating across U.S. European Command, U.S. Africa Command, and U.S. Central Command. By leveraging modernized Warehouse Management System capabilities and high-throughput cross-docking workflows, DLA Distribution Sigonella sorts, tracks and stages items to ensure material arrives ready for immediate shipboard integration the moment it hits the flight deck or pier.

For Martinez and the DLA Distribution Sigonella team, the CNO's recognition reinforces the critical interdependence between logistics personnel ashore and the carrier strike groups operating forward, proving that when the fleet faces urgent demands, DLA Distribution delivers.