Expeditionary Training Group holds change of command

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class STEVEN HOSKINS | Capt. Michael K. Napolitano, commanding officer of Expeditionary Training Group (ETG), reads his orders during his change of command at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Ft. Story, Nov. 15. Capt. Dave Clement relieved Capt. Michael K. Napolitano as commanding officer, ETG. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Steven Hoskins)  

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA, UNITED STATES

11.15.2013

Story by STEVEN HOSKINS 

Navy Expeditionary Combat Command

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Expeditionary Training Group (ETG) held a change of command ceremony at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Ft. Story, Nov. 15.

Capt. Dave Clement relieved Capt. Michael K. Napolitano as commander.

Rear Adm. Frank A. Morneau, commander Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC), the guest speaker at the ceremony, commended Napolitano for his excellent performance.

“What you’ve done has been brilliant, you had vision,” said Morneau. “Commanders get the job done when they command their units every day, captains turn vision into reality and that’s what has happened with ETG.”

Morneau presented Napolitano with the Legion of Merit award for his performance of outstanding service as commanding officer, ETG from July 2009 to November 2013.

Before his departure Napolitano shared his key message and thanked the ETG staff members. “Leadership is empowering your people to perform unencumbered by constant interference and it is that philosophy that has led to the success of ETG,” said Napolitano. When given the freedom to maneuver the staff has come up big.”

“I have never been prouder to serve with such a great group of dedicated folks,” said Napolitano.

Upon assuming command, Clement spoke about the need for ETG and leading the staff to the best of his ability.

“I give you my solemn promise that I will give you my best effort every day,” said Clement.

Clement joined the Navy in 1989 after graduating from Virginia Military Institute. His previous shore commands include Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron Two (VQ-2¬) in Rota, Spain. He served subsequent flying tours with Special Projects Patrol Squadron One (VPU-1), in Brunswick, Maine, Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron One (VQ-1) at NAS Whidbey Island, and again at VPU-1 where he served as Commanding Officer. Following his command tour he served as Navigator on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Clement holds a Master of Military Arts and Sciences from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, a Master of Arts in Unconventional Warfare from American Military University, and a Masters of Business Administration from Touro University International

ETG's mission is to provide training to NECC Echelon IV and V commands as they complete the integrated phase of the Fleet Readiness Training Plan.

• Date Taken: 11.15.2013
• Date Posted: 11.18.2013 13:49
• Story ID: 116942
• Location: VIRGINIA BEACH, VA, US