SAN DIEGO (NNS) – Capt. Brian C. Bungay relieved Capt. Bob A. Heely, Jr. as Commanding Officer, Naval Base San Diego (NBSD), during a change of command ceremony held aboard the base, Aug. 28, 2025.
Vice Admiral Brendan McLane, Commander, Naval Surface Forces, served as the guest speaker for the event and commended Capt. Heely for his outstanding leadership, dedication, and service to the fleet, tenant commands and the San Diego community during his tour.
"The success of NBSD matters not just to the Fleet but to our national defense. Our maritime dominance is in high demand around the world,” said McLane. “Capt. Heely, I know you made it your mission to own this challenge, job well done! You truly made Naval Base San Diego a force generation machine and you never stopped advocating for our Sailors and their families.”
Since assuming command of NBSD in February 2023, Capt. Heely inspired a team of more than 2,000 Sailors and civilians to provide the highest quality of shore infrastructure, programs, and services while advancing the warfighting readiness of Naval Surface Forces Pacific and Third Fleet through Fleet-focused outcomes. He spearheaded the creation of the Tactical Warfighter Readiness Program, a robust three-day course with follow-on training designed to prepare Sailors mentally, physically, and emotionally for the modern battlespace, and focused on quality of life by increasing base shuttle frequency by 200 percent and launching a mobile app providing real-time shuttle information.
Heely also led the Shore Enterprise in developing GeoReadiness Explorer heat maps for housing, safety, and security, enabling senior leadership to make data-driven decisions about resource allocation. His tenure was marked by agile and effective responses to multiple real-world emergencies, including the historic January 2024 San Diego flooding that caused $9.2 million in damages to 40 structures on base, a 5.2 magnitude earthquake in April 2025, and a civilian plane crash into military housing in May 2025 that displaced 42 families.
"Ladies and gentlemen, this team of 2,000 civilians and military is a formidable force who take pride in ownership to another level,” said Heely. “One thing is certain; there is no other team I would have wanted with me more; I am proud to have been your commanding officer. I appreciate all that you have done for me, our Sailors, and our Base. Thank you.”
Upon assuming command, Capt. Bungay addressed the Sailors, civilian workforce, and community partners for the first time as NBSD's new commanding officer, emphasizing his commitment to operational excellence, support to the Fleet, and continued quality-of-life improvements.
"I look forward to building upon the strong partnerships with our local partners and local and state representatives to strengthen the bond between the Navy and the San Diego community.” said Capt. Bungay. "To the Naval Base San Diego team, I am honored to join your ranks, and I know I have much to learn. I commit to giving you my best every day and together we will continue the mission with excellence, professionalism and pride"
Capt. Bungay comes to Naval Base San Diego from his most recent tour as commanding officer of USS Kansas City (LCS 22). He is a graduate of the University of Southern California where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and a Bachelor of Arts in History, and he holds a Master of Arts in Human Resources Management from Webster University. He is a qualified Surface Warfare Officer with extensive operational experience in both surface combatants and littoral combat ships.
Naval Base San Diego is the principal homeport of the Pacific Fleet, supporting more than 60 combatant and auxiliary surface ships and more than 250 shore commands. The total base population is roughly 55,000, including 31,000 military personnel and 23,000 civilians.
For more information, contact the Naval Base San Diego Public Affairs Office at, nbsd.pao@us.navy.mil or visit our command website at https://cnrsw.cnic.navy.mil/Installations/NAVBASE-San-Diego/
Date Taken: | 09.08.2025 |
Date Posted: | 09.09.2025 17:23 |
Story ID: | 547505 |
Location: | SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, US |
Web Views: | 37 |
Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Capt. Brian C. Bungay relieved Capt. Bob A. Heely, Jr. as Commanding Officer, Naval Base San Diego (NBSD), must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.