Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Kay Savarese | Adm. Bill Gortney, commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command, presents the Distinguished...... read more read more
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Rear Adm. Frank A. Morneau relieved Rear Adm. Michael P. Tillotson as commander of Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) during a change of command ceremony held at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, July 17.
Adm. Bill Gortney, commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command, gave the ceremony’s keynote address.
“This change of command ceremony provides an opportunity to present the remarkable leadership of Rear Adm. Michael Tillotson,” said Gortney. “NECC is a shining example of what is right about our Navy, and it’s on display here today.”
Gortney presented Tillotson with the Distinguished Service Medal as an end-of-tour award. Tillotson attributed the award to the hard work and support of the NECC sailors and leaders.
“It has been my honor to serve as commander of NECC,” said Tillotson. “You have exceeded my intent, that of ensuring our forces operating forward have everything they need to take the fight to the enemy.”
The ceremony marked the end of Tillotson’s second tour as commander of NECC.
Tillotson recalled the challenges faced, lessons learned, and achievements made by the men and women who make up the NECC force, before reading the orders relieving him of command.
“This staff has accomplished a lot and faced many challenges,” said Tillotson. “To the men and women of Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, the staff and all our tribes, I thank you all for your support and dedication, but also for the good will with which you have performed your duty.”
Upon assuming command, Morneau recognized Tillotson’s hard work and leadership through NECC’s maturation as the single function command for the Navy’s expeditionary forces.
“I couldn’t be more proud to have inherited the leadership team here,” said Morneau. “To the men and women of Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, it’s my privilege to take command here today.”
“You and your sailors have fought hard, and your families have sacrificed more and made America better,” said Morneau. “To continue the warfighting capabilities that this force brings to the fleet, it’s going to take the best of us, our courage and our conviction to continue to provide the best led, best trained and best force of the world. You have my promise on that.”
Prior to arriving at NECC, Morneau served as the deputy director for Expeditionary Warfare Division. His operational background includes Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Mobile Unit 2; EOD Group 2 Detachment Norfolk, Va.; and EOD Mobile Unit 6. He commanded EOD Mobile Unit 8, in Sigonella, Sicily; EOD Group 2 in Norfolk, Va.; and Navy Expeditionary Combat Forces Command Central (Task Force 56) in Bahrain.
Morneau’s shore assignments include Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Navy Personnel Command, Joint Staff Operations Directorate, and the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization.
NECC forces are globally deployed, providing capability across the full range of military operations in the maritime strategy to include forward presence, maritime security, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, sea control and power projection and deterrence.
The forces that comprise NECC include Naval Construction; Coastal Riverine; Expeditionary Logistics Support; Explosive Ordnance Disposal; Maritime Civil Affairs and Security Training; Expeditionary Intelligence; Expeditionary Combat Camera; and Expeditionary Combat Readiness.
| Date Taken: | 07.17.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 07.17.2013 15:04 |
| Story ID: | 110326 |
| Location: | VIRGINIA BEACH, VA, US |
| Web Views: | 614 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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