NORFOLK, Va. – Leadership of Expeditionary Combat Camera Reserve changed hands when Lt. Cmdr. Mark Duehmig, Expeditionary Combat Camera Reserve, was relieved as officer-in-charge, by Cmdr. John Robinson in a change of charge ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk, Nov. 16, 2013.
“I’m really excited about taking command of this unit,” said Robinson. “I’ve been looking forward to the opportunity to lead sailors again.”
Robinson served as an individual mobilized augmentee at the Joint Chief of Staff at the Pentagon before coming to combat camera.
Duehmig thanked his family and members of the unit and expressed his confidence in Robinson’s leadership capabilities.
“I’m thrilled with my relief,” said Duehmig. “The time that I have spent with Cmdr. Robinson reassures me that combat camera will be in excellent hands.”
Expeditionary Combat Camera’s reserve component consists of more than 25 reserve sailors spread across the country. The mission of the unit is to provide high-quality digital video and still imagery to support department of defense functions. Members of the unit are frequently deployed on short notice to various theatres of operation around the world.
“The expectations for any commanding officer are high,” said Cmdr. Doug Gabos, officer-in-charge of combat camera’s active-duty component. “You have to get into the job and own it, but I’m also confident that Robinson is going to do an excellent job.”
Before taking charge of the unit, Robinson met with Gabos and Duehmig to understand how the two components train together.
“Obviously the biggest challenge of taking command of a unit like this is getting up to speed with everyone and working with the active-duty component to figure out the needs of the reservists and how to keep them fully trained,” said Robinson.
Duehmig reaffirmed Robinson’s comments by noting the role of combat camera has evolved.
“We were really much more of in a deployment mode four years ago. We were working on getting our people trained, equipped and out the door,” Duehmig said. “Now, the challenges are getting our sailors to the places they can train and maintain those skills.”
Following his relief, Duehmig will be assigned as the Public Affairs Officer for Navy Region Southeast.
“You never forget your first command, but I have a feeling I will never see another unit like combat camera,” said Duehmig, “It’s an extraordinary unit and an extraordinary experience.”
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