Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Kitara Byerly | GULFPORT, Mississippi (November 2, 2018) The traditional cutting of the cake by the...... read more read more
GULFPORT, Miss. (NNS) -- Seventh Naval Construction Regiment (7NCR) held a change-of-command ceremony onboard Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport, in Gulfport, Mississippi, on November 2nd, 2018.
Capt. Milton Washington relieved Capt. Christopher Asselta as the Commodore of 7NCR and the two attached Battalions; Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 14 and NMCB 27. Rear Adm. Mark Fung was the guest of Honor.
The traditional ceremony was performed at the Seabee Heritage Center and Seabee Training Hall, which provided an entertaining backdrop of WWII memorabilia. Sailors and Officers dined surrounded by a WWII jeep, building equipment and tools used by Seabees during conflicts over the last 75 years.
Since June 2016, Asselta served as the Commodore overseeing almost 1000 Reserve and Active duty Sailors from 44 different states representing 96 different cities. He coordinated two successful detachment mobilizations from NMCB 14 and NMCB 27 to CENTCOM and AFRICOM areas of responsibility. The Regiment also successfully completed a Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Integrated Exercise, achieving certification.
Asselta reflected on the first uniformed construction tradesman that became Seabees at the outbreak of WWII and the connection to today’s strategic, competitive environment.
Asselta expressed his gratitude to the audience. “These last two years have come and gone quickly as time does when you are a part of something greater, and that is....service. I did not do this alone, and I would like to share with you those that have supported me in this tour.” Asselta said. “Leading in this powerful Navy is the privilege of a lifetime because I get to serve with so many incredibly selfless, dedicated, and inspiring people. I am even more optimistic and energized about our future as the next exciting chapter of the legendary story of the Seabees continues to reveal itself.”
Asselta was presented the Legion of Merit from the presiding officer, Capt. Tim DeWitt, Commodore of Naval Construction Group (NCG 2) TWO in Gulfport, Mississippi. Asselta’s next follow-on assignment is as the Reserve Deputy Commander for NCG 2.
Capt. Washington recently was serving at NCG 2, Gulfport Mississippi where he was the Interim Deputy of NCG 2.
Washington addressed the assembled Regiment. “This day is not about me; it is about our Navy. Today is about protecting the integrity of our Seabee legacy and ensuring our future.”
Washington spoke to the Officers and Enlisted personnel serving at 7NCR. “As a Regiment, we will chart new territory and push the status quo. You have a responsibility to speak up. If you see something wrong; say something. You have the ability to make a difference. Together, we will plan, train and execute!”
Washington spoke about the future direction for the Regiment. “Our priorities are in concert and in line with the Navy’s priorities: Readiness, Lethality, and Modernization. To the men and women of 7NCR, You matter most! You are our number one priority and make no mistake; we will put every emphasis on making you better, more efficient. Train hard: the fleet is counting on us. It’s good to be home here in Gulfport, at home in green, with the Mighty Seabees!”
| Date Taken: | 11.01.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 05.11.2019 16:55 |
| Story ID: | 322092 |
| Location: | GULFPORT, MS, US |
| Web Views: | 383 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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