NEXCOM holds change of command

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Joseph Wax | Rear Adm. Robert J. Bianchi speaks to guests during the Navy Exchange Services Command/Navy Family Services Change of Command Ceremony at which he was relieved of his duties as Commanding Officer by Rear Admiral Steven J. Romano.  

VIRGINIA BEACH, UNITED STATES

08.21.2009

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Joseph Wax 

Navy Public Affairs Support Element East - (Reserve)

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Rear Adm. Steven J. Romano relieved Rear Adm. Robert J. Bianchi as Commander, Navy Exchange Service Command and Navy Family Services in a change-of-command ceremony held at the NEXCOM headquarters in Virginia Beach, Va. Aug. 21.

Bianchi will take over as the Assistant Deputy Director, Chief of Staff for Fleet Readiness and Training, Fleet Supply Officer, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Norfolk, Va.

The guest speaker, Rear Adm. Michael J. Lyden, commander, Navy Supply Systems Command and Chief of Supply Corps, praised Bianchi for leading a very successful NEXCOM team during a time of national economic turmoil.

"Rob [Bianchi] and the NEXCOM team have performed superbly," said Lyden. "They have done a phenomenal job of handling a complex job, responsible for making a profit during these tough economic times."

Bianchi, with the help of more than 15,000 NEXCOM employees worldwide, ran an enterprise that brought in more than six billion dollars, contributing 164 million to Navy quality of life programs from July 2007 to August 2009.

"It is an honor to recognize the accomplishments of Rob and his staff and the resounding success they have had serving our forces around the world," said Lyden. "He managed the largest new uniform rollout in recent memory. The $512 million program will outfit more than 400,000 Sailors, active and reserve."

NEXCOM oversees 105 Navy Exchange facilities, including 305 retail stores worldwide, 43 Navy Lodges, the ships' afloat retail stores and the Uniform Program Management Office. Bianchi thanked his staff for all of their hard work during the past two years.

"I can't tell you how proud I am to have worked with the people at NEXCOM," said Bianchi. "The associates make our exchanges more than just a retail store for the Sailors and their families."

Romano comes to NEXCOM from the United States European Command Headquarters in Stuttgart-Vaihingen, Germany where he served as the Director of Logistics and Security Assistance.

"As we move into the future our challenges are many," said Romano. "With every challenge is an opportunity for new partnerships and achievements. Let our journey begin."

• Date Taken: 08.21.2009
• Date Posted: 08.21.2009 19:42
• Story ID: 37822
• Location: VIRGINIA BEACH, US