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    NIOC Texas holds change of command

    NIOC Texas change of command

    Courtesy Photo | Vice Adm. Jan Tighe, commander, U.S. Fleet Cyber Command/U.S. 10th Fleet,...... read more read more

    SAN ANTONIO , TX, UNITED STATES

    01.15.2015

    Story by Lt.j.g. John Dees 

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

    SAN ANTONIO - Navy Information Operations Command Texas (NIOC TX) conducted a change of command ceremony Jan. 15 at The Gateway Club, Lackland Air Force Base (Joint Base San Antonio), San Antonio.

    Vice Adm. Jan Tighe, commander, U.S. Fleet Cyber Command/U.S. 10th Fleet, presided over the ceremony where Capt. Mark Houff relieved Capt. John Watkins as commanding officer of NIOC TX.

    "We are living in a volatile world and NIOC TX is integral to keeping America safe," Tighe said.

    "Operating the Navy's network as a warfighting platform is a key part of our strategy and in an ever-changing technological environment, NIOC TX enables collaboration between joint-force commands to deliver better warfighting results."

    Tighe went on to detail the successes of NIOC TX under Watkins' charge and said, "The command has taken national integration to an entirely new level."

    She went on to note that his commitment ranged from high standards for linguists to battlefield successes, citing the strong impact of the command's maritime battle watch component's ongoing operations for national defense.

    Watkins thanked his Sailors for a rewarding and memorable tour during his remarks.

    He also acknowledged the strong support of his family and, to his son who intends to enroll in a Naval ROTC program in college, said, "Son, do a 360 and look around ... these are your future shipmates, and you could not ask for better."

    "I've never seen nor witnessed at any other command the level of dedication I have seen here. No one has ever told me, 'No, we can't do that'; the answer is always 'Sir, we'll find a creative way to tackle that problem," Watkins went on to say. "A [commanding officer's] success is a direct reflection of the command, and I was fortunate to be a part of it."

    Watkins will head to San Diego where he will serve as the N2/N6 for Carrier Strike Group 9.

    Houff in taking the helm said, "I am humbled and honored at the chance to be able to lead you."

    "I am hugely impressed by the successes already present at this command and look forward to beginning this journey," he went on to say.

    Houff's most recent duty station was U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), where he served as the J2 Director.

    Houff had previously served as Assistant George Washington Battle Group N2; Assistant Naval Attache to Russia; Senior Intelligence Analyst at Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command; a Naval War College Military Professor; and at the Joint Special Operations Command.

    NIOC TX's primary mission is to conduct information operations and 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 San Antonio area.

    NIOC TX is a subordinate command of U.S. Fleet Cyber Command and comprises Task Force 1040 of the U.S. 10th Fleet.

    For more news from Commander, U.S. Fleet Cyber Command/U.S. 10th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/FCCC10F/.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 01.15.2015
    Date Posted: 01.16.2015 18:46
    Story ID: 152190
    Location: SAN ANTONIO , TX, US

    Web Views: 799
    Downloads: 0

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