The Defense Logistics Energy Americas’ reins of leadership changed hands during a ceremony in Houston July 26.

Army Col. William Keyes relinquished command of the organization to Army Col. Ronald Ross during the ceremony hosted by Patrick Dulin, DLA Energy deputy commander.

“[The ceremony] signifies not only a change in leadership of a great organization, but more importantly it is the public acknowledgement of the commitment of these great leaders to the continuing success of our nation, to the success of this organization and their commitment to our greatest treasure, the sons and daughters of America, which they had and will have the privilege and honor to lead,” Dulin said.

He said Keyes’ superb leadership of DLA Energy Americas was the epitome of military and civilian efficiency and effectiveness.

Keyes began his DLA Energy Americas command in June 2009, which was his last assignment as an officer in the Army. There was a retirement ceremony prior to the change of command ceremony. Keyes served 26 years as a soldier.

“Leadership change is the way of the military, and the command is blessed to have a warrior like Col. Ron Ross taking over,” Keyes said. “Ron brings a wealth of leadership and knowledge and I know he will take the command forward to the next level.”

During the ceremony, Keyes read an essay his daughter, Sara, wrote titled, “The Army as told by Bill Keyes.”

As the DLA Energy Americas commander, Ross will be in charge of ensuring customers are provided timely, on-specification fuels in support of their mission within the DLA Energy Americas region.

“It is truly an honor, privilege and humbling experience to be here and assume command of an organization with such an impeccable reputation,” Ross said. “I take to heart that command is not a job, it is a commitment.”

Ross said he is committed to the task at hand, and will continue to build upon the solid foundation of this great organization.

Ross’ previous assignments include the U.S. Army Central Command Coordination and Support Element-Afghanistan chief of staff; the 330th Transportation Battalion (Airborne) commander at Fort Bragg, N.C. and the 7th Sustainment Brigade deputy commander at Fort Eustis, Va.