Maintenance window scheduled to begin at February 14th 2200 est. until 0400 est. February 15th

(e.g. yourname@email.com)

Forgot Password?

    Defense Visual Information Distribution Service Logo

    MSC’s Maintenance Hub in Guam Changes Command

    MSC Maintenance Hub in Guam Changes Command

    Photo By Shaina Marie ONeal | GUAM (July 15, 2022) -- Cmdr. Gillian Medina completes her command tour of Military...... read more read more

    GUAM -- Military Sealift Command Far East Maintenance Hub Guam held a change-of-command ceremony July 15, during which Cmdr. Gillian Medina wrapped up 24 months in command, and Cmdr. Omari Buckley took the helm.

    “This 40-person staff, made up of civilians and Sailors, on an island that has an area of 212 square miles in the Western Pacific, has accomplished more in the last two years than should have been possible, and they made it look easy,” Medina said.

    “Their efforts kept our ships at sea and on mission during the pandemic, and this is a mission no one at this command was willing to let fail.”

    Medina, a former boatswain’s mate, has served aboard a number of ships, both as an officer and enlisted Sailor. Her afloat tours include: USS Simon Lake (AS 33), USS McKee (AS 41), USS Cowpens (CG 63), USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), USS McCampbell (DDG 85), USS Rentz (FFG 46), and as commanding officer of USS Shamal (PC 13).

    The University of San Diego and George Washington University alumna served at Naval Station Mayport; with Task Force 68; at U.S. Fifth Fleet; as editor of Surface Warfare Magazine; and at U.S. Special Operations Command.

    “In a word: outstanding,” said Capt. Samuel F. de Castro, commodore of MSC Far East, when describing Medina.

    “She is an exceptional leader who takes care of all her people, all the time, while always ensuring the mission is accomplished.”

    From Guam, Medina goes Washington, DC, to serve on the Chief of Naval Operations’ staff, in the 21st Century Sailor Office.

    Buckley, a native of Harrisville, Mississippi, joins the MSC Maintenance Hub Guam team from USS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB 4), where he served as the executive officer of the gold crew.

    “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead such a fine team of professional Sailors and civilians,” he said.

    “Together, we will continue to support the Military Sealift Command fleet as our ships and crews operate in this vast theater of operations."

    His previous tours include USS Carter Hall (LSD 50), USS Chancellorsville (CG 62), USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), and USS Vicksburg (CG 69).

    Ashore, Buckley served at Joint Force Development and Surface and Mine Warfare Division Command.

    “We welcome Omari to the MSC Far East family. His expertise and experience will serve our ships and crews well,” de Castro said of the Old Dominion University grad who also earned degrees from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey and the National University of Singapore.

    In addition to Guam, MSC Far East has maintenance hubs in Singapore and Japan. These ashore staffs coordinate with local governments and agencies and provide engineering, contracting and IT support to Military Sealift Command ships operating in the 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility.

    Under Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet and routinely interacts and operates with 35 maritime nations in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific Region.

    LEAVE A COMMENT

    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 07.15.2022
    Date Posted: 08.04.2022 07:49
    Story ID: 426300
    Location: GU
    Hometown: HARRISVILLE, MS, US

    Web Views: 229
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN