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JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii — Rear Adm. Brad Collins relinquished command of Navy Region Hawaii to Rear Adm. Rich Jarrett during a change of command ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Sept. 2, 2026.
Collins assumed command of Navy Region Hawaii in August 2025 and has overseen an area of responsibility that extends across 34,000 acres of land and water, serving as the Hawaii regional coordinator for more than 40,000 military and government service personnel working at more than 270 shore-based commands located on Oahu and Kauai.
During his 12-month tour of duty, he led the region through many efforts that included overseeing complex, installation-wide crisis response exercises, such as Hurricane Exercise 2026 and Citadel Shield, where he improved and validated joint protocols and fortified strategic assets with zero operational degradation. Additionally, Collins was a stalwart proponent of community outreach and international engagement initiatives.
Collins also oversaw the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, Hawaii Department of Transportation, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency and the City and County of Honolulu, which ensured coordinated emergency access through Kolekole Pass in Waianae and established procedures for opening the mountain pass to civilian traffic evacuations in case of life-threatening emergencies along Oahu’s leeward coast.
“It has been a privilege to serve in Hawaii and to work alongside the Sailors, civilians, families, community leaders and mission partners,” said Collins. “This assignment has been defined not only by improved operational readiness, but by strengthening the relationships we’ve cultivated across Hawaii and the shared commitment to caring for one another in times of challenge. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to serve this community and to be part of all we accomplished together.”
Collins will continue to be a large part of the region. U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced, June 8, that Collins will be appointed to the grade of vice admiral and assume command of Navy Installations Command, at Washington Navy Yard in Washington D.C. He will oversee all 10 Navy regions around the world, encompassing 70 installations.
“Serving Navy Region Hawaii has reinforced for me that installation leadership is ultimately about people, partnerships and readiness,” said Collins. “Here in Hawaii, I’ve seen firsthand how resilient infrastructure, strong community relationships and close coordination across the joint force directly enable mission success. I’m committed to carrying forward the same focus on warfighter support, regional collaboration and installation excellence across the fleet.”
Jarrett arrives in Hawaii after spending the past year managing Navy Region Southwest’s 10 primary installations, overseeing base operating support functions, and regional coordination for naval bases across California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico.
Jarrett said he is excited to be in Hawaii and looks forward to building on the region’s solid foundation. “I am honored to assume command of Navy Region Hawaii and to serve in a region that is essential to our Navy’s mission in the Pacific,” said Jarrett. “The strength of this region comes not only from its strategic importance, but from the Sailors, civilians, families and community partners who work together every day to keep our installations ready and resilient. I look forward to building on that foundation, strengthening our partnerships across Hawaii, and ensuring Navy Region Hawaii continues to support the fleet and the people who call these islands home.”
Commander, Navy Region Hawaii is the regional coordinator for all shore-based Navy personnel and shore activities in Hawaii - as well as the Navy’s representative to the Hawaii community. Today, the Navy in Hawaii has grown into a major fleet concentration area. The Navy has the largest military presence in Hawaii and contributes more than $2 billion annually to the local economy, including $1 billion in salaries and $1 billion in operations, contracts and local purchases. Navy Region Hawaii at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam provides key services to maintain the safety and vital infrastructure that allows the Navy to operate efficiently in Hawaii.
| Date Taken: | 09.02.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 09.02.2026 19:41 |
| Story ID: | 573824 |
| Location: | JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, HAWAII, US |
| Web Views: | 57 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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