NAVAL BASE VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. — Capt. Rodney M. Moore relieved Capt. Bret Muilenburg as the commander of the 30th Naval Construction Regiment during a ceremony, June 22, aboard Naval Base Ventura County, Port Hueneme.
Muilenburg commanded the regiment as well as Task Force Forager during a recent yearlong deployment in Afghanistan. He led more than 4,200 personnel from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps whose main mission was combat and general engineering in support of U.S. Forces -Afghanistan and ISAF Joint Command.
“The command’s greatest accomplishment during my time at the 30th was demonstrating that a Navy Construction Regiment can command joint engineering forces in combat operations,” said Muilenburg, calling the deployment a highlight of his career.
Rear Adm. Paula C. Brown, deputy commander of the First Naval Construction Division presided over the ceremony and praised both men for their leadership. She particularly recognized Muilenburg for his efforts in Afghanistan. “Your 30th Naval Construction Regiment and their supporting units directly enabled freedom of movement for coalition forces and provided security and stability and economic progress for the people of Afghanistan.”
Brown presented Muilenburg with the Legion of Merit award following her remarks.
Moore, a Shelbyville, Ind., native, returns to 30 NCR after serving previously as the chief staff officer from 2006 to 2008. More recently he served within the Naval Facilities Engineering Command expeditionary programs office.
Upon assuming command Moore remarked that he was proud to be “rejoining this battle-proven regiment.”
“You are fierce warriors, compassionate builders and devoted patriots,” Moore said. “I look forward to serving with you as we respond to the nation’s latest call to pivot to the Pacific with our pursuit of engineering excellence with honor and success.”
30 NCR provides operational command and control over all Naval Construction Battalions deployed to the Pacific Command area of responsibility.