Navy Expeditionary Combat Command welcomed its newest commander during a change of command ceremony at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Aug. 12.
Rear Adm. Brian Brakke relieved Rear Adm. Frank Morneau as the fifth commander of the expeditionary Type Command since its establishment in January 2006.
Distinguished guests in attendance included: Adm. John Richardson, Chief of Naval Operations; Adm. Phil Davidson, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command; Vice Adm. Rick Breckenridge, deputy commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command; Lt. Gen. John Wissler, commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Mike Stevens, and many others.
Davidson gave the ceremony's keynote address and presented Morneau with the Distinguished Service Medal Gold Star in lieu of second award.
"Today is somewhat unique," said Davidson. "You usually come to a change of command ceremony - it is the passing of accountability - something that those of us in uniform relate to wholly. You cannot escape the 24/7/365 accountability and responsibility of command ... But we're also here because we're saying goodbye to someone who is going to retire after 33 years of service."
After receiving his end-of-tour award, Morneau reflected on expeditionary Sailors standing the watch worldwide.
"On behalf of NECC, this award represents the thousands of Sailors who have sacrificed unselfishly," said Morneau, who also thanked many of his classmates from the U.S. Naval Academy Class of 1983 for attending the ceremony.
In addition to his end-of-tour award, representatives from the Game Wardens of Vietnam presented Morneau with an honorary black beret, and referred to the retired admiral as their "NECC Champion."
During Morneau's "Force Master Chief Time," Force Master Chief Lance Kitchens emphasized the impact the outgoing commander had throughout the NECC force.
"It has been an absolute privilege," said Kitchens referring to Morneau as his hero and his friend.
Kitchens also reflected on Sailor accomplishments throughout the NECC force during Morneau's tenure - from the six Sailors selected as Sailors of the Year and promoted meritoriously to Chief Petty Officer to the 241 Sailors promoted to the next paygrade through the Meritorious Advancement Program.
Upon assuming command, Brakke focused on his charge of command and recognized the professionalism of his expeditionary Sailors.
"My charge and intent are clear, through our Design for Maritime Superiority, we develop, generate and employ expeditionary combat forces, where it matters, when it matters and with what matters to enable distributed fleet operations and distributed logistics," said Brakke, who added that NECC's combat power and its technologic edge tied with the fighting power equals the combat effectiveness of our force.
"I also want to recognize the men and women of our NECC force. These men and women represent the toughness of our expeditionary fighting forces," Brakke stated.
Brakke reflected on the past 28 years serving with Morneau.
"I can't think of a finer officer I would have wanted to serve alongside. Frank and I never quite look at a problem the same way and that's why we click. I always knew it wasn't about us. It was about the force and we'd get to what's right for them, together," said Brakke. "Frank, it truly is an honor to call you a friend and to thank you for your service and contributions to our Navy, nation, and NECC forces."
NECC is an enduring warfighting force providing sea-to-shore and inland operating environment capabilities across the full range of military operations that is focused on delivering combat effective expeditionary forces ready for worldwide operations now and into the future.
| Date Taken: | 08.12.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 08.15.2016 09:41 |
| Story ID: | 206989 |
| Location: | VIRGINIA BEACH , VA, US |
| Web Views: | 119 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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