JINHAE, South Korea — Cmdr. Quinn Skinner relieved Cmdr. Don Murray as commanding officer of U.S. Fleet Activities Chinhae, June 14.
More than 200 sailors, family members, distinguished guests from the community and leaders from the Republic of Korea navy gathered on base for the change of command ceremony.
CFAC is the only U.S. Navy base in the Republic of Korea and is located on the southern coast of the peninsula. Approximately 120 sailors and their families are stationed at CFAC.
Skinner reported to CFAC following graduation from the Naval War College in Newport, R.I.
“I look forward to serving with you to continue building our military readiness in this region and strengthening the alliance between the United States and the Republic of Korea,” Skinner said to the sailors in attendance.
Skinner also addressed some of his remarks directly to the Korean members of the audience in the Korean language, drawing applause at each point.
Capt. Randall Martin, chief of staff for U.S. Naval Forces Korea, served as the guest speaker and highlighted Murray’s accomplishments as commanding officer.
“As important as accomplishing the mission of this installation is the continuing good-neighbor relationship with the local community. I salute all of you here today who are actively contributing to these vital and enduring relationships,” said Martin.
Martin said CFAC serves as a key hub to strengthen our maritime partnership with the Republic of Korea and enhance security in the Asia-Pacific region.
Murray assumed command of CFAC in June of 2010. He’s led the base to receive multiple awards including its 6th consecutive A-list and Crystal awards for unaccompanied personnel housing, its 8th consecutive A-list award for housing and a 4-star rating for the morale, welfare and recreation program, the highest rating worldwide for U.S. Navy Installations Command.
Murray said, “It’s been an honor for the last two years to be a part of the Republic of Korea and the city of Jinhae. Korea is a beautiful country and the Korean people are friendly and welcoming.”
Murray, who is transferring to Naples, Italy as a staff member for Sixth Fleet, thanked the sailors for their hard work, singling out a few who helped give CFAC nearly perfect scores in recent inspections and assessments.
The command’s community outreach during Murray’s command was acknowledged with a grand prize from the Changwon Social Welfare Society. It was also evident at the ceremony as the founder and director of Aikwangwon orphanage were in attendance to show their appreciation. Ms. Kim Im-soon and Mrs. Song Mu-jung presented Murray with a letter of appreciation and DVD with photos of the Navy’s numerous visits during his command.
CFAC’s mission is to provide on-peninsula service, expertise and material support to the Fleet, sailors, Department of Navy civilians and their families. It operates and maintains Navy installation assets on the Korean peninsula and protects Navy assets on the CFAC installation.