NIOC Bahrain holds change of command

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY, BAHRAIN

07.22.2015

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class David Finley 

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

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY, Bahrain - Navy Information Command (NIOC) Bahrain held a change of command ceremony at the Naval Support Activity Bahrain Chapel, July 22.

Rear Adm. Gene F. Price, deputy commander, U.S. Fleet Cyber Command/U.S. 10th Fleet (FCC/C10F), presided over the ceremony in which Cmdr. Blake G. Jacobson relieved Cmdr. Cesar G. Rios as commanding officer of NIOC Bahrain.

"Cmdr. Rios, during your time as Skipper of Navy Information Operations Command Bahrain you have brought your experience to bear on your mission and your people, and all have profited as a result", said Price. "Your experience is vast, you've served in the AOR [area of responsibility] as a flyer and on ships, and by all accounts, you are a master of your craft: you are a solid cryptologist."

Capt. Michael J. Vernazza, commanding officer, NIOC Georgia, was the event's guest speaker.

Of Cmdr. Rios, he said, "during your tour at NIOC Bahrain, you continually embraced the challenge of command, and significantly influenced the standard of excellence for all who follow. Visionary leaders like Cesar bring out the best in their people. They enable them to achieve great things."

Vernazza then welcomed Jacobson stating, "He has served with distinction in progressively difficult and complex assignments. Always out front, he expertly tackled the toughest challenges that confront our Information Dominance community."

During the ceremony, Rios thanked his Sailors for their operational efforts in the air, land and sea.

"Your unrivaled determination helped keep our forces on the ground safe from harm, helping hunt down elusive enemies and giving ground commander's invaluable situational awareness," said Rios. "It was your hard work and dedication that drove successful outcomes in everything you did, I am forever humbled by your accomplishments."

Rios is transferring to National Security Agency/Central Security Service Fort Meade, Maryland.

Jacobson thanked the out-going commander for turning over such a great command.

"It's apparent to me that the Sailors have truly enjoyed your leadership and have all worked very hard for you," said Jacobson. "I have seen that you are a family that takes care of each other and supports each other in this intense, unrelenting and unforgiving environment. I am extremely lucky and excited to be a part of your family and look forward to working with you all."

Jacobson, a native of La Crescenta, California, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. Jacobson also earned a Master's of Science in Management with an emphasis in Project Management from the University of Maryland, University College in 2010.

NIOC Bahrain provides information warfare capabilities in direct support of U.S. Central Command combat operations and to Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet for the safe positioning of naval forces in the Arabian Gulf.

• Date Taken: 07.22.2015
• Date Posted: 07.28.2015 14:17
• Story ID: 171350
• Location: NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY, BH