NTAG New England holds a virtual Change of Command Ceremony

Photo By Chief Petty Officer Joshua Wahl | 210524-N-KK576-0008 BOSTON (May 24, 2021) Capt. Katrina L. Hill, commodore, Navy Recruiting Command Region East, transfers authority and responsibility as commanding officer of Navy Talent Acquisition Group New England to Cmdr. Jeremy Watkins during a virtual change of command ceremony aboard the USS constitution May 24. Watkins relieved Cmdr. Brian Doherty as the commanding officer during the ceremony. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Petty Officer Joshua J. Wahl/Released)  

BOSTON, MA, UNITED STATES

05.24.2021

Story by Chief Petty Officer Joshua Wahl 

Commander, Navy Recruiting Command

BOSTON - Navy Talent Acquisition Group New England held a virtual change of command ceremony aboard the USS Constitution, May 24.

During the ceremony, Cmdr. Jeremy Watkins, who served as NTAG New England's executive officer, relieved Cmdr. Brian Doherty as commanding officer.

The presiding officer, Capt. Katrina Hill, commodore of Navy Recruiting Region East, expressed her gratitude for Doherty's commitment to the recruiting mission.

"Over the last year, I've come to rely on the steady and consistent performance of Cmdr. Brian Doherty," said Hill. "Whether the challenge was a global pandemic, transforming to a new organizational construct or seeking out the opportunities by the current labor market, I could always count on you to consistently keep the main thing, the main thing."

Doherty led a team of more than 215 officers, sailors, civilians, and contractors to recruit over 4000 men and women for military service in the U.S. Navy. He also led the transition of Navy Recruiting District New England to NTAG New England on short notice during a global COVID-19 pandemic.

"I had the pleasure of working with an amazing group of professionals doing important work," said Doherty. "I can say with great confidence that NTAG New England has some of the most proficient recruiters and staff in the business. New England remained at the top of the enlisted stacking report because of your commitment to the community."

Hill also recognize Watkins's support as an executive officer.

"Your leadership in this district has been essential in leading the command's mission," said Hill. "I have full faith and confidence that you will not only build on skipper Doherty's success, but you also have a rewarding and enjoyable time doing it. You have a great team here and I look forward to seeing how you take them to even greater heights."

Watkins said he is ready to lead the command into the future.

"I am humbled to lead our team going forward," said Watkins. I know we will do our jobs well and consistently to keep the fleet manned. This job is challenging but I know you are up for it because of your strong work ethic. Day in and day out, your initiative, work ethic and grit continue to impress me. I'm so proud of each of you. It's a privilege to lead this team."

NTAG New England's mission is to leverage an inspirational culture to man the Fleet with ready Sailors to allow America's Navy to assure mission success and deliver quality service for Sailors to thrive in a life-changing experience. The command covers over 93,500 square miles encompassing Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and the Eastern half of New York. Headquartered out of Boston, Massachusetts, the command has more than 35 recruiting stations, eight Navy Operation Support Centers, four Military Entrance Processing Stations, and maintains two stations overseas at Kaiserslautern, Germany and Naples, Italy covering the entire territory of Europe, Southwest Asia and the Middle East.

• Date Taken: 05.24.2021
• Date Posted: 05.25.2021 10:01
• Story ID: 397321
• Location: BOSTON, MA, US