SAN DIEGO, California (NNS) -- Coastal Riverine Group (CRG) 1 held a change of command ceremony Jan. 8 on Navy Outlying Landing Field Imperial Beach.
During the ceremony, Capt. Michael Ray relieved Capt. Stanfield Chien as the commodore of CRG 1.
In his speech, Chien expressed gratitude to his family, civilian workers and the CRG 1 Chief’s Mess. He also thanked the Sailors of CRG 1. “We’ve succeeded because of the young Sailors of CRG 1. You are the future leaders of the Navy, so much falls upon your shoulders," said Chien. "It is ultimately your willingness, drive and desire to serve that allows us to succeed."
Chien joined the Navy in 1991 following graduation from the Virginia Military Institute where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. Prior to assuming command, he served as the deputy commodore of CRG 1. Chien is scheduled to transfer to U.S. Southern Command in Miami, Florida.
Under Chien’s leadership, CRG 1 deployed three Coastal Riverine Squadrons to the U.S. Central Command, European Command, Pacific Command, Africa Command, and Southern Command areas of responsibility and provided forces for numerous detachment-level missions.
Ray, a native of Highland, Indiana, attended the University of Pennsylvania on a Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) scholarship, graduating and receiving his commission in 1995. Prior to assuming command, he served as the deputy commodore of CRG 1.
“My role in this command is changing but I still care about the same things, and that begins with sending forward the most combat-ready Riverines possible to carry out the nation’s most serious business,” said Ray. “I also care greatly about putting in place the processes and guidelines that will continue to normalize and routinize Coastal Riverine Force training and operations in the future, and I need your help. Because I know you, I am certain that we have the right people and the right talent to do great things. I look forward to getting after it with you.”
Rear Adm. Brian Brakke, commander, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, provided the keynote speech for the change of command ceremony. He said, “Over the course of his tenure, Capt. Chien oversaw staff, squadron and detachment members from our Navy’s civilian, active duty, and reserve ranks. The direction and mentorship he provided enabled this diverse team to seamlessly operate together, delivering a tremendous amount of capability to combatant commanders around the globe.”
Coastal Riverine Force (CRF) operates in harbors, rivers, bays, across the littorals and ashore. The primary mission of CRF is to conduct maritime security operations across all phases of military operations by defending high value assets, critical maritime infrastructure, ports and harbors both inland and on coastal waterways against enemies and when commanded conduct offensive combat operations.
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