Photo By Brandon L Parker | SINGAPORE (Oct. 28, 2022) -- Capt. Robert R. Williams, left, relieves Capt. Samuel F....... read more read more
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SINGAPORE (Oct. 28, 2022) – During a change-of-command ceremony, Capt. Robert R. Williams relieved Capt. Samuel F. de Castro as commodore of Military Sealift Command Far East in Singapore, Oct. 28.
Military Sealift Command Far East ensures approximately 50 ships in the Indo-Pacific region, are manned, trained and equipped to deliver essential supplies, fuel, cargo, and equipment to warfighters, both at sea and on shore.
“I am deeply honored to have had the opportunity to have served with all of the ships and crews throughout MSC Far East,” de Castro said. “I leave this command with a deep appreciation for our civil-service and contracted mariner workforce, which I believe is the best in the world.
“Your can-do attitude, commitment to the mission, dedication and professionalism are eye watering. I thank you for all you have done. I appreciate the sacrifices you have made and challenges you’ve overcome, which allowed our naval forces to operate and never miss a mission.
“Many thanks to you and your families and loved ones who have also made sacrifices and endured long absences.”
Since taking the helm at MSC Far East, de Castro claims the inaugural ship maintenance conducted in India and increased locations for maintenance throughout the Indo-Pacific region as highlights of this tour.
“I will always appreciate all I have learned from those around me here at MSC, and since the time I was a midshipman, I was – and am -- impressed with our ability to replenish our forces at sea, which is just one reason why I have enjoyed being part of this command.”
Prior to assuming command of MSCFE, de Castro served as chief of staff for Logistics Group, Western Pacific and Task Force 73. Other assignments ashore included the staff of the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations; support to NATO while on the Joint Staff; the Afghanistan Counter Insurgency Academy in Darulaman, Afghanistan; U.S. 6th Fleet and Striking Forces NATO.
The USNA alumnus who graduated from the Nichols School, Deerfield Academy and holds master’s degrees from the Naval Post Graduate School and the Naval War College, served aboard USS Ramage (DDG 61), USS Peterson (DD 969), USS Mahan (DDG 72) and USS The Sullivans (DDG 68). During the tour aboard The Sullivans, de Castro served as the commanding officer.
His next assignment will be at the Navy Yard in Washington, DC.
Williams, who relieved de Castro as commodore of MSC Far East, now leads the team, which includes offices in Singapore, Guam, Korea, Japan, and a presence in Republic of the Philippines.
“MSC Far East has a legacy of providing exceptional customer service to U.S. Armed Forces, the fleet, and our partners and Allies. The entire MSC Far East team will continue working together, ensuring that continues," Williams said.
“I trust every MSCFE professional -- including department heads, officers-in-charge, commanding officers, ships’ masters, chief engineers, action officers and crew members -- will anticipate what needs to be done and will stay focused on accomplishing the mission, while simultaneously taking care of their crews, shipmates and themselves.”
Williams held the post previously, 2018 – 2020. After an assignment in the Pentagon, the Irmo, South Carolina, native returned to Singapore to lead the Navy’s logistics team that supports warfighters throughout the Indo-Pacific Region.
“MSC Far East has a legacy of providing exceptional customer service to U.S. Armed Forces, the fleet, and our partners and Allies. The entire MSC Far East team will continue working together, ensuring that continues.
“Whether combat logistics ships delivering food, fuel and spare parts; any one of our special mission ships; the hospital ship, USNS Mercy; or rescue and salvage ships, MSC Far East delivers,” Williams said.
At the time he took command, Williams charged those throughout the MSC Far East enterprise with a traditional, often heard, Navy order. Simply, carry on.
“You are doing a fantastic job,” he said to active duty and civilian personnel and civil service and contracted mariners.
“Keep doing what you’re great at, providing excellent service to the warfighter. Additionally, let me know how we can implement the Navy’s 'Get Real, Get Better' approach to MSCFE business. I’m here to support you.”
He believes mariners, both civil service and contracted, are the backbone of the MSC Far East force, and he says MSCFE’s offices throughout the theater will continue to support them in any way possible.
“My priorities include working together at all levels to take care of our people; ensuring each action we conduct is executed safely; and coordinating with our masters, crews and staffs to identify and remove any challenges or barriers to mission accomplishment.”
In addition to his MSCFE assignments, Williams commanded USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58).
The former enlisted Sailor’s afloat assignments include USS Thomas S. Gates (CG 51), Special Boat Unit 20, USS Dewert (FFG 45), Destroyer Squadron 24 and Task Force 60.
Williams graduated from the University of South Carolina, earned master’s degrees from the Naval Postgraduate School and the National War College and has served in a number of ashore assignments. His shore tours included the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy; the Joint Staff; the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy; and the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense.
| Date Taken: | 10.28.2022 |
| Date Posted: | 10.28.2022 04:18 |
| Story ID: | 432179 |
| Location: | SG |
| Hometown: | BUFFALO, NY, US |
| Hometown: | IRMO, SC, US |
| Web Views: | 206 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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