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NAVMAG Changes Command

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060831-02
8/31/2006

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Angela Grube, Northwest Region Fleet Public Affairs

PORT HADLOCK, Wash. (NNS) -- Cmdr. George Whitbred relieved Cmdr. Jonathan Kurtz as commanding officer of Naval Magazine (NAVMAG) Indian Island Aug. 25, in a change of command ceremony held at NAVMAG.

“On Capt. Kurtz’s watch, Indian Island set new standards for environmental stewardship, while excelling at carrying out its mission of ordnance logistics support in a time of increased operational tempo,” said Rear Adm. William French, commander, Navy Region Northwest. “Due to Kurtz’ vision, leadership, and hard work, Naval Magazine was the first Navy facility in the Pacific Northwest to have a site removed from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Superfund List.”

French said during Kurtz’s tenure, he finished cleaning 19 sites, earning the 2005 Chief of Naval Operations Award for Environmental Restoration. NAVMAG also hosted the Joint Logistics Shore exercise.

“The conditions were very similar to those seen following the Indonesian tsunami and Hurricane Katrina, during which the Navy provided critical humanitarian relief,” said French. “Future relief efforts will go more smoothly because of the joint service training provided at Naval Magazine Indian Island.”

For his end of tour award, Kurtz received a Legion of Merit Award.

“Jon shaped a culture of continuous improvement,” said French. “His dedication to implementing lean process improvement resulted in reducing ordnance transportation expenses by over 12 percent, and reclaiming 18,000 square feet of unused warehouse space. He saved the taxpayers $1.6 million.”

Before receiving his orders and departing for Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach in California, Kurtz wanted to thank those who served under him.

“NAVMAG seems to have a culture all its own,” said Kurtz. “The workforce is not just highly competent, but extremely committed and professional throughout - civilian, military and contractors. There's truly a team spirit and everybody thrives on getting the job done. It's been a rewarding couple of years here both personally and professionally, and I’ll be taking away a lot of lessons to put to use in my next tour."