Cryptologic Warfare Maritime Activity SIXTY ONE (CWMA-61) held a change of command ceremony May 9 at the McGill Training Center at Fort George G. Meade.
Cmdr. Bernard T. O’Neill relieved Cmdr. Mitchell H. Finke as the second commanding officer of CWMA-61. The presiding officer for the ceremony was Capt. Joe J. Johnson, Commander, Cryptologic Warfare Group SIX (CWG-6).
“To the men and women of Cryptologic Warfare Maritime Activity SIXTY ONE, you continue to raise the bar across your mission areas of direct support, signals intelligence, and defensive cyber operations,” said Capt. Johnson. “As you continue to set the example, you join all who have gone before us to make ours the greatest Navy the world has ever known. Take care of your new Skipper and help him make your command even stronger.” Acknowledging
CWMA-61’s mascot, Johnson continued: “While our friends and shipmates across the Navy have every reason to ‘Admire the Duck,’ I expect any who would wish us harm to forever ‘Fear the Duck!’”
Cmdr. Finke’s next assignment is aboard the Nimitz-class nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75).
“To the officers, chiefs, Sailors and civilians of CWMA-61, I have been deeply humbled and awestruck by your dedication, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to our assigned missions,” said Cmdr. Finke. “You all embraced a culture and philosophy characterized by teamwork, professionalism, communication, trust and mutual respect. I will miss you and the mission. Shipmates, you and the command are prepared for the future challenges that are sure to come as we engage to fight and win in the information domain. Cmdr. O’Neill is exactly the right officer to lead you over the horizon. I trust you will support him in the way you have supported me.”
Prior to assuming command of CWMA-61, Cmdr. O’Neill’s previous leadership positions included Deputy Commander Task Force 1030; Executive Officer, Navy Information Operations Command Norfolk; and Officer in Charge, Navy Information Operations Detachment Groton.
“This special occasion is steeped in more than 243 years of naval tradition; thank you to all the Sailors who worked so hard to put this great ceremony together,” said Cmdr. O’Neill. “I want to thank the women and men of CWMA-61 for choosing to defend our Constitution and our families during the longest conflict in our nation’s history. While we are witnessing the resurgence of an old-peer and the emergence of another, you are serving our great country during a time that will define your generation. You truly make a difference each and every day and this command absolutely excels because of you. I am honored and humbled to join your Navy family.”
CWMA-61’s primary mission is to deliver cryptologic and defensive cyberspace operations to support numbered fleets by performing fleet information operations center functions; and to provide and deploy trained cryptologic warfare personnel, expertise, and equipment to support signals intelligence and cyberspace operations for naval surface, sub-surface, expeditionary, special warfare, joint, and Department of Defense forces. For more information and news from CWMA-61, visit CWMA-61’s website or facebook page.