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Starling Assumes Command of NETWARCOM

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070615-21
Release Date: 6/15/2007 3:59:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Corey T. Lewis and Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Christopher Koons, Naval Network Warfare Command Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- Vice Adm. H. Denby Starling II relieved Vice Adm. James D. McArthur Jr., as commander of Naval Network Warfare Command (NETWARCOM) on June 15 in a ceremony at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek.

Commander U.S. Fleet Forces Command Adm. Gary Roughead, who presided over the ceremony, described NETWARCOM as a vital component of today’s naval force.

“The value of NETWARCOM cannot be overstated. As the global force provider, I’m in the position to see the demand signal that combatant commanders and naval component commanders are placing on our Navy. Clearly, computer network defense, computer network attack and information operations are at the top of their list of concerns. The sphere of influence of this command is truly extraordinary.”

Roughead also praised NETWARCOM’s staff for their confidence and commitment.

“Your work here is essential to what we do throughout our Navy. It allows us to maintain our edge and provides us with the force we need to deter aggressors and defeat them when necessary.”

Roughead presented McArthur with the Distinguished Service Medal and described him as a solid and inspiring leader.

“Because of his leadership and vision, NETWARCOM is a model of organizational efficiency and operational effectiveness. He and his team have made our Navy, nation and world a safer and better place.”

Since assuming command of NETWARCOM in March 2004, one of McArthur’s major accomplishments was realignment of all information-related missions under one command and the establishment of NETWARCOM as the central authority for operations of Navy networks. During his farewell speech, McArthur said that he is proud of everything NETWARCOM’s staff has accomplished during his tenure.

“The Navy and this command are on a path where the information domain will become the principle domain of the battle space across the full range of military operations, especially as a major part of maritime security,” he said. “Our work is accomplished by men and women in uniform, civilian employees and contractors who are intensely motivated, talented, experienced and dedicated.

“Our networks are more secure now than ever because we realize they need to be treated as a weapons system,” McArthur added. “You are committed to taking this command and its mission to an even higher level. The immediate and long term future is filled with excitement, incredible potential and many opportunities and challenges.”

Roughead said he looked forward to working with NETWARCOM’s new commander.

“You are well-prepared for this opportunity,” he said to Starling. “NETWARCOM will continue to move onward and upward with you in command.”

In his speech, Starling pledged to continue McArthur’s tradition of excellence.

“We’re a command filled with enthusiastic professionals focused on warfighting, very much like Vice Adm. McArthur himself.”

A native of Virginia Beach, Va., Starling was commissioned through the University of Virginia Naval ROTC program in 1974. He was designated a naval flight officer in March 1975, and a naval aviator in March 1983. Starling’s most recent assignment was as commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet.

“I look forward to continuing to build upon the solid foundation (McArthur) put in place at NETWARCOM,” Starling added. “NETWARCOM is at the forefront of where the next fight will begin, or has perhaps already begun, out there in cyberspace. You are engaged in the fight against the enemy 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.”