NORFOLK, Va. – Marking a significant reorganization of expeditionary public affairs forces, the Navy redesignated Navy Public Affairs Support Element (NPASE) Headquarters as Navy Public Affairs Command (NPAC) and renamed all subordinate units Fleet Public Affairs Centers (FLTPACENs) Jan. 9.
The name changes signify a move from a "support element" to traditional Navy organizational naming nomenclature for units of such scale and mission.
The headquarters’ commanding officer, Capt. Sarah T. Self-Kyler, will continue to oversee the entire enterprise, now as Commander, Navy Public Affairs Command, an echelon II command under the Office of the Chief of Information.
The role of NPAC will remain the Immediate Superior in Command (ISIC) to its seven subordinate FLTPACENs. In addition, NPAC will assume greater authorities to support CHINFO in community-wide policy and programs, including global force management, training programs, and review of equipment.
NPAC will become CHINFO’s go-to organization to monitor and assess all PA and VI resources, ensuring efficient alignment of personnel, training across multiple organizations, and deployable equipment to Fleet and Joint requirements.
“NPAC will strengthen our community’s ability to more efficiently organize, train, and deploy public affairs professionals across the world, ensuring our communication capabilities are aligned with the demands of modern naval operations,” Self-Kyler said.
NPAC’s subordinate commands, previously NPASE East, NPASE West, and NPASE Japan, have been redesignated as FLTPACEN Norfolk, FLTPACEN San Diego, and FLTPACEN Yokosuka. FLTPACEN Norfolk will continue to serve as ISIC to FLTPACEN Det Mayport and FLTPACEN Det Rota, while FLTPACEN San Diego will continue to serve as ISIC to FLTPACEN Det Pearl Harbor.
This organizational change establishes two new commanding officer billets—one at FLTPACEN Norfolk and another at FLTPACEN San Diego.
“With 60-plus billeted personnel in Norfolk and San Diego, and dozens more in their subordinate detachments, it was clear that the command authorities should be maintained at the deckplate level where our leaders are overseeing daily readiness of our deployers and coordinating with CO counterparts at sea,” said Rear Adm. John A. Robinson, Navy Chief of Information. “For the first time, Navy public affairs now has three commanding officers wearing the gold trident-in-wreath pin. This pin may be small, but it is mighty.”
Cmdr. Jason Fischer became the first commanding officer of FLTPACEN, Norfolk during an assumption of command ceremony on Naval Station Norfolk, Jan. 9.
Addressing the Sailors and civilians of FLTPACEN Norfolk, Fischer stressed the value of the important work they do.
“You deploy forward, you advise commanders, you illuminate the truth in the fog of information warfare, and you help our Navy—and our nation—understand the meaning and impact of our service,” Fischer said. “Simply put, you ensure the American people see their Navy clearly.”
Cmdr. Jackie Pau became the first commanding officer of FLTPACEN San Diego during its establishment of command ceremony at the “world famous” I Bar onboard Naval Air Station North Island, Jan. 21.
“Fleet Public Affairs Center San Diego is made up of exceptional Sailors who understand the power of storytelling and the responsibility that comes with it, said Pau. “I’m proud to lead a team of warfighters entrusted with telling the Navy’s story with integrity and professionalism.”
During his remarks over each ceremony, Robinson acknowledged the importance of developing strong leadership opportunities within the Navy public affairs community, and emphasized the need for officers with vision, commitment, and a passion for excellence. “We are fortunate to have these highly accomplished leaders at the helm, guiding us into a new era of Navy Public Affairs.”
Cmdr. Rochelle Rieger has assumed duties as executive officer of NPAC.
NPAC’s renaming and the establishment of FLTPACENs Norfolk and San Diego represents the Navy’s commitment to streamlining communication efforts. By investing in its people and reordering its structure, the Navy is ensuring its public affairs community is a unified, “one team” force that is lethal and succinct.