NNPTC Holds Change of Command

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Jessica Gomez | 210604-N-RT036-1265 GOOSE CREEK, S.C. (June 4, 2021) The official party of Naval Nuclear Power Training Command's (NNPTC) change of command ceremony bows their heads during the ceremony's invocation. During the ceremony, Capt. Scott J. McGinnis relieved Capt. Andrew G. Peterson III as commanding officer of NNPTC. NNPTC's mission is to train officer and enlisted students in science and engineering fundamental to the design, operation, and maintenance of naval nuclear propulsion plants. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jessica Gomez)  

GOOSE CREEK, SC, UNITED STATES

06.04.2021

Story by Seaman Apprentice Keyly Santizo 

Naval Nuclear Power Training Command

GOOSE CREEK, S.C. -- Naval Nuclear Power Training Command (NNPTC) held a change of command ceremony in Goose Creek, South Carolina, June 4, in the Admiral Frank Bowman Center on the NNPTC campus.

Capt. Scott J. McGinnis relieved Capt. Andrew G. Peterson III as commanding officer of NNPTC during the ceremony. Adm. James F. Caldwell, director, Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, was the presiding officer and guest speaker for the ceremony.

“It's truly been a privilege to be here,” Peterson said. “Three years ago I spoke of being humbled by the enormity of the responsibility. I am so honored by the talent here at Naval Nuclear Power Training Command. What you've accomplished over the last three years is extraordinary, and I'm honored to have been a part of it.”

Peterson, a native of Lunenburg, Massachusetts, served as commanding officer of NNPTC since June 2018. Peterson will report as commanding officer of Naval Support Activity, Joint Base Charleston next.

“Today we're here to celebrate two great leaders from our nuclear community Capt. Peterson and Capt. McGinnis,” Caldwell said. “Now [Peterson] will be the first person to tell you all the accomplishments, they belong to his team. He refuses to take credit for it, but what I will tell you is he always highlighted your accomplishments to me. What he did do was he enabled an environment where creativity and innovation thrive, alongside a healthy respect for rules and standards. This is an area where ideas are heard and acted upon, where the team felt that they could make a difference. And I have to tell you, admittedly recommending changes to the way we train nuclear operators takes a bit of courage and fortitude.”

During the ceremony, Caldwell presented Peterson with the Legion of Merit in recognition of his accomplishments as commanding officer at NNPTC.

“You are exactly the right leader and this is a fantastic job,” said Caldwell to newly minted Commanding Officer McGinnis. “Over your tour you, too, will have enormous influence on the program, and the most precious resource that we have. I have absolute faith in you and I encourage you to challenge us and your team. Bring us new ideas, develop yourself and your people and make our program even better. On behalf of all of us at Naval Reactors, welcome to our team; welcome to our family.”

McGinnis, from Richmond, Virginia, reports as commanding officer of NNPTC after serving as the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command sensitive activities division chief.

“I look forward to carrying a torch of innovation, upholding our high nuclear standards,” McGinnis said. “I am thoroughly excited and engaged to be a part of our team. I have no higher calling than to support you in our mission of developing the highest skilled nuclear trained Sailors. Your success is vital to our Navy and our national security.”

In 1993, the Nuclear Field “A” School and Nuclear Power School were joined to create NNPTC. A move from Orlando, Florida to Charleston, South Carolina began in May 1998 and was completed in January 1999. Construction of the new command allowed Nuclear Field “A” School and Nuclear Power School to be located in the same building.

Nuclear Field “A” School’s mission is to provide fundamental rate training for future nuclear Machinist's Mates, Electrician's Mates and Electronic Technicians. Nuclear Power School’s mission is to train officer and enlisted students in the science and engineering fundamental to the design, operation and maintenance of naval nuclear propulsion plants. The naval nuclear program is widely acknowledged as having the most demanding academic program in the U.S. military.

• Date Taken: 06.04.2021
• Date Posted: 06.15.2021 13:49
• Story ID: 398980
• Location: GOOSE CREEK, SC, US
• Hometown: LUNENBURG, MA, US
• Hometown: RICHMOND, VA, US