Photo By Jacquelynn Fisher | 180803-N-XG502-0058 NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (August 3, 2018) Rear...... read more read more
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U.S. Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Greece, held a change of command ceremony, August 3, 2018, onboard the installation.
Capt. Ryan T. Tewell relieved Capt. Brad J. Collins as commanding officer.
Rear Adm. Rick L. Williamson, commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia, was the guest speaker for the event and presented Collins with a Meritorious Service Medal.
“You are passionate and engaged leader who has left an indelible mark on this installation, our community, and our host nation,” said Williamson. “Undoubtedly, you have forged friendships that will stay with you for a lifetime and it’s going to be really hard to say goodbye. But as difficult as it is to hand your command over to another, you can leave with the satisfaction of knowing you made a difference.”
In his remarks, Collins addressed NSA Souda Bay on the importance of reflecting on their foundation and principles.
“We in the Navy and at NSA Souda Bay cannot be concerned merely with success or failure irregardless of our overarching ideals and the foundation upon which our Navy is built," said Collins. "Instead, we need to define and achieve success first and foremost because of who and what we are. Then the results we want will follow.”
“I gave you three missions to focus on, three areas to devote our time, energy and resources: SECURITY, OPERATIONS, and PERSONNEL,” continued Collins. “It was each one of you who took that and ran with it; you ran with it all the way to complete and total success dominating in those areas."
He went on to thank the department heads, leaders of tenant commands, and the local Greek Commanders including the Hellenic Police. Collins also thanked his wife, Kerry, and everyone who helped form the first Family Readiness Group (FRG) for NSA Souda Bay. The FRG serves as a vehicle to connect Sailors, civilians and families to the proper resources.
Collins will report to Commander, Navy Installations Command in Washington D.C. as an Executive Assistant.
Tewell, a U.S. Naval Academy graduate and MH-60R and SH60-B Seahawk pilot, most recently served as the Senior Navy Advisor for Strategy and Force Development in the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
In his speech, Tewell acknowledged the pivotal place that NSA Souda Bay plays in supporting the Navy’s mission and the excellent partnership that exists with the Greek allies.
“We will continue to execute our mission as a force multiplier that optimizes the combat capabilities of operational units,” said Tewell. “Know that whether your role is to service aircraft on the tarmac, resupply ships at the piers, stand guard in the harbor or E.C.P.’s (Entry Control Points), maintain our critical facilities, or provide comfort, rest, and energy for our troops, we along with our partners or allies do fulfill all of these roles in order to defend our nations, and our way of life against those that threaten it.”
With more than 800 military, DoD civilians/contractors, and local national personnel assigned to the base, NSA Souda Bay enables the forward operations and responsiveness of U.S. and allied forces in support of Navy Region, Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia’s mission to provide services to the fleet, fighter, and family.
| Date Taken: | 08.06.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 08.06.2018 06:36 |
| Story ID: | 287392 |
| Location: | SOUDA BAY, GR |
| Web Views: | 302 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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