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Walley Assumes Command of USS Iwo Jima

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060414-16
Release Date: 4/14/2006 12:05:00 PM

By Journalist 1st CLass (SW) Mike Jones, USS Iwo Jima Public Affairs

ABOARD USS IWO JIMA (NNS) -- Capt. Michael A. Walley relieved Capt. Richard S. Callas as USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) commanding officer in a ceremony aboard the multi-purpose, amphibious assault ship today.

In keeping with a long-standing naval tradition, the simple ceremony was conducted while at anchor near the Thimble Shoals channel with the crew assembled in a working uniform. Callas will next serve as chief of staff at Commander, Strike Force Training Group Atlantic.

“It has been an honor to serve with this crew on this ship that is so represents the finest in our naval service,” Callas said. “The spirit and drive of every Sailor and Marine aboard Iwo Jima to constantly strive to be worthy of that noble heritage is evident in every task carried out here. I can think of no greater calling than to be part of something greater than oneself. And no ship or command that I have had the pleasure to serve with has embodied that spirit more than USS Iwo Jima.”

Walley, a native of Reading, Penn., was commissioned upon graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1982, and was designated a naval aviator in 1984.

Initial sea duty assignments included assignments to the Air Departments aboard USS Deyo (DD 989) and USS Elrod (FFG 55), where he earned his Surface Warfare qualification. He subsequently deployed to the Adriatic Sea and Persian Gulf as officer-in-charge of Detachment 9 aboard USS Thomas S. Gates (CG 51).

Shore duty assignments included aide to the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, Naval Warfare (OP-07); training officer at Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 40 (FRS); action officer in the Joint Operations Division (WestHem), Operations Directorate of the Joint Staff; executive assistant to the Deputy Director for Operations, Current Operations (J-33); and on the OPNAV staff as the Western Hemisphere Politico-Military Affairs branch head (N523). Following the Sept. 11 attacks, he was reassigned as the Navy Command Center branch head (N310).

Walley previously commanded the "Swamp Foxes" of HSL-44, and the "Air Wolves" of HSL-40. During his tour at HSL-40, the Air Wolves earned the Cmdr. Theodore Ellyson award as the finest Fleet Replacement Squadron in U.S. Air Forces, Atlantic.

Walley has earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering, a Master of Arts Degree in Education, and a Master of Arts Degree in National Security Studies.

In October 2003, Walley reported to Iwo Jima, where he served as executive officer.

“I believe I speak for the entire crew when I say there is no finer captain, warrior, mentor then Iwo Jima’s own Capt. Callas,” Walley said. “It is said that good leaders create many followers, but that great leaders create many leaders. You, Sir, are truly a great leader. It is my personal privilege to have served with you and a professional honor to follow in your shadows.”