The 30th Naval Construction Regiment (30 NCR) held a change of command ceremony at Naval Base Ventura County, Port Hueneme, June 30.
During the ceremony, Capt. Jeffrey Kilian relieved Capt. James Meyer, who has held the position since July 2014.
In his speech, the guest speaker for the ceremony, Capt. Erich Diehl, commander, Navy Expeditionary Forces Command Pacific, thanked Meyer for his service and welcomed the regiment’s newest commodore.
“Under your leadership, the combined efforts of 30 NCR and our deployed Seabees have enhanced partner capability, increased our combat effectiveness, contingency response, and contributed greatly to regional stability,” said Diehl. “You and your team of professionals have displayed the highest level of excellence in expeditionary construction, humanitarian civil assistance, and expeditionary command and control. Well done.”
Meyer was presented with a Legion of Merit earned for his exceptional meritorious conduct, and the performance of outstanding services and achievements during his tenure.
“The words in the award represent and recognize all the hard work of 30 NCR staff and most specifically, our units executing the work,” said Meyer. “This is a team effort, and truly, it is a great team across the board. When I look at the 30th Naval Construction Regiment and our Seabee units, I am extremely impressed, awed, and inspired by the quality of the individuals and the strength of our teams.”
Following the award presentation, both Meyer and Kilian read their orders and passed the regimental flag in a tradition signifying the transfer of command from one to another.
“It’s an honor to be standing here today,” said Kilian. “The privilege of command is granted to very few, and I am humbled to be given the opportunity to lead this fine organization. I am proud to be a part of this team.”
Kilian arrives to the regiment from the office of the Chief of Naval Operations, where he served as the facilities investment branch head. A San Diego State University, University of Texas, and Duke University graduate, Kilian is a Seabee Combat Warfare Officer, professional engineer in the state of California, and a former enlisted Marine.
His personal awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze star, two Defense Meritorious Service Medals, three Meritorious Service Medals, and various other individual and unit awards.
30 NCR provides operational control over naval engineering forces throughout the Pacific, Southwest Asia and the western U.S. in response to combat commander and naval component commander requirements. They serve an integral part of the Naval Construction Force and accomplish major combat operations, theater security cooperation, humanitarian assistance, disaster recovery and Phase Zero requirements across the Pacific area of responsibility.
The combat-ready, highly skilled Seabees of 30 NCR develop lasting relationships in the Western Pacific region. Throughout the last two years, 30th NCR has participated in over 30 theater security cooperation program engagements with more than 15 partner nations. These exercises include Balikatan, an annual exercise between the Philippines and the United States; Pacific Partnership, an annual deployment promoting interoperability of regional governments, forces and humanitarian efforts, and country-specific partner exercises such as; CARAT, Cobra Gold, Foal Eagle, and Ardent Sentry.