Alexander Promoted During Change of Command
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS060728-04
7/28/2006
By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman James Seward, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Pacific
CORONADO, Calif. (NNS) -- Capt. Townsend "Tim" G. Alexander was promoted to rear admiral as he turned command of Naval Base Coronado (NBC), at Naval Air Station North Island (NASNI) over to Capt. Anthony E. Gaiani during a change of command ceremony July 26.
“It is an honor and a privilege to have been promoted to a flag rank,” said Alexander. “It is also a huge responsibility… no mistakes can be made at this level.”
During the ceremony, Alexander read his orders, which will send him to Hawaii as commander, Navy Region Hawaii for two years.
“The last three years have been remarkable, but at the same time, it is hard to leave my unfinished work behind,” said Alexander. “I trust Capt. Gaiani will do an outstanding job as commanding officer of this base.”
As commanding officer of NBC, Alexander was responsible for the well-being of more than 40,000 Sailors, civilians and contractors, along with managing a $20 million budget for all NBC installations.
According to Commander, Navy Region Southwest, Rear Adm. Len R. Hering, NASNI is one of the biggest and busiest communities in the military.
“A commanding officer is much like a city mayor,” said Hering. “Police and fire departments, medical centers, chapels and commissaries are all part of a commanding officer’s responsibility.”
Gaiani, previously assigned to NATO as the chief of defense plans at the Supreme Headquarters of Allied Powers in Mons, Belgium, stressed the importance of taking care of Sailors.
“I have very big shoes to fill as commanding officer of the base,” said Gaiani. “NBC plays a vital role in the global war on terror, and I plan to keep this base running smoothly.”
Along with being promoted, Alexander was awarded the Legion of Merit medal for his 27 months of service as commanding officer.
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