EXWDC holds Change of Command, Retirement Ceremony

Photo By Chief Petty Officer Karen Rybarczyk | 180223-N-YN937-208 VIRGINIA Beach, Va. (February 23, 2018) – Capt. Michael Sparks, commander, Navy Expeditionary Warfighting Development Center (left), Rear Adm. Brian J. Brakke, commander, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (center), and Capt. Robert Cepek, incoming commanding officer, bow their heads for the invocation during EXWDC change of command ceremony at Naval Air Station Oceana Dam Neck Annex. Navy Expeditionary Combat Command enables Navy Expeditionary Combat Forces to execute combat, combat support, and combat service support missions across the full spectrum of naval, joint, and combined operations which enable access for the sea and freedom of action throughout the sea-to-shore and inland operating environments. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Alan Lewis/Released)  

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA, UNITED STATES

02.23.2018

Story by Chief Petty Officer Karen Rybarczyk 

Navy Expeditionary Combat Command

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Navy Expeditionary Warfighting Development Center (EXWDC) conducted a change of command and retirement ceremony Feb. 23 on Naval Air Station Dam Neck Annex.
The ceremony began with the change of command as Capt. Robert Cepek relieved Capt. Michael Sparks as commander, EXWDC.
Rear Adm. Brian J. Brakke, commander, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, began the ceremony acknowledging the hard work of Sparks during his tenure at EXWDC.
“For more than a year and a half now,” said Brakke, “Capt. Sparks has worked relentlessly to ensure deploying expeditionary units were prepared to bring combat readiness and fighting power to any and all corners of the globe to which they’re ordered to operate.”
While at EXWDC, Sparks directed the development of a training continuum for Navy expeditionary forces across the combat mission areas at the individual, unit, and integrated levels. Through this initiative and his efforts as an advocate for Navy expeditionary forces, he educated joint, inter-agency, coalition, and other international partners on how a multitude of expeditionary capabilities integrate into operational and contingency plans. He also led the development of the Expeditionary Command Leadership Courses ensuring the NECC team would reap the benefits of his mentorship long after his tenure at the command.
“It was a great honor to be the commanding officer of an organization that has such a dramatic impact on the health and readiness of the expeditionary forces for our Navy,” said Sparks.
Cepek is “fleeting up” from the EXWDC Deputy Commander position after arriving from Coastal Riverine Group Two where he served as the commanding officer.
“It’s a pleasure to continue to work with expeditionary sailors, officers and chiefs as we get them ready for deployment,” said Cepek. “Also, to work with a great team that is combined of uniformed military, government civilians and contractors all of who have a wealth of experience drawn from the expeditionary community.”
After the change of command, the ceremony continued with Sparks’ retirement. He commented on the next chapter of his life when asked of his future plans.
“There are lots of unknowns, but just like my Navy career, I will face every challenge head-on and tackle them as they come,” said Sparks. “So, I look forward the challenges that come ahead with retirement.”

• Date Taken: 02.23.2018
• Date Posted: 02.28.2018 10:27
• Story ID: 267481
• Location: VIRGINIA BEACH, VA, US