Navy Information Operations Command Maryland holds change of command ceremony

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class David Finley | Vice Adm. Michael S. Rogers, commander, U.S. Fleet Cyber Command/U.S. 10th Fleet (left), Capt. Timothy J. White (center) and Capt. Donald E. Elam, commanding officer Navy Information Operations Command (NIOC) Maryland (right), observe the parading of the colors during the NIOC Maryland change of command ceremony. NIOC Maryland's primary mission is to conduct information operations and to provide cryptologic and related capability to the fleet, joint and national commanders as well as administrative and personnel support to Department of the Navy members assigned to the Fort Meade area. U.S. Fleet Cyber Command serves as the central operational authority for networks, cryptologic/signals intelligence, cyber, information operations, electronic warfare, and space capabilities for the Navy. U.S. 10th Fleet is the operational arm of Fleet Cyber Command and executes its mission set through the same maritime warfighting organizations and mechanisms that the Navy uses in other warfighting domains. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class David R. Finley Jr./Released)  

FORT MEADE, MD, UNITED STATES

07.26.2013

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class David Finley 

U.S. Fleet Cyber Command / U.S. 10th Fleet

FORT MEADE, Md. - Navy Information Operations Command Maryland (NIOC MD) held a change of command ceremony July 26 at Fort Meade's McGlachlin Parade Field.

Vice Adm. Michael S. Rogers, commander, U.S. Fleet Cyber Command/U.S. 10th Fleet, presided over the ceremony in which Capt. Donald E. Elam relieved Capt. Timothy J. White as commanding officer of NIOC MD.

“This ceremony is the ultimate expression of the visible transmission of accountability and authority from one commanding officer to another,” said Rogers. “It marks the culmination of their entire adult lives in the voyage to both complete command as well as assume command.”

Roger’s spoke highly of the job White has done over the last two years and presented the former commanding officer with the Legion of Merit Award for his distinguished performance of duty.

“The fact he was selected for flag officer speaks volumes,” said Rogers. “He is the first individual who has had command here at NIOC MD in the entire 55-year history to pick up flag officer.”

White, who has been selected for the rank of rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as deputy chief, tailored access operations, S32, National Security Agency, Fort Meade, Md.

During the ceremony, White thanked his sailors for a rewarding tour and acknowledged the support his family has provided throughout the years.

“I felt a great honor to imagine I have been leading this phenomenal crew, but all along it was really you leading me,” said White. “From the fleet to the joint warfighter, you all have had an impact further a-field and in current circumstances than our near horizon reveals.”

Elam’s most recent tours include Navy Information Operations Command Georgia, as chief of data acquisition and executive officer, and the National Reconnaissance Office as deputy director of special communications.

“I am truly honored and humbled for this opportunity to lead this command,” said Elam. “Together we will achieve our mission through excellence, communication and teamwork.”

NIOC MD’s primary mission is to conduct information operations and to provide cryptologic and related capability to the fleet, joint and national commanders as well as administrative and personnel support to Department of the Navy members assigned to the Fort Meade area.

NIOC MD is a subordinate command of U.S. Fleet Cyber Command and comprises Task Force 1060 of the U.S. 10th Fleet.

For more news from Navy Information Operations Command, Maryland, visit www.navy.mil/local/NIOCMD/.

• Date Taken: 07.26.2013
• Date Posted: 07.26.2013 17:42
• Story ID: 110909
• Location: FORT MEADE, MD, US