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Naval Safety Center Changes Command

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070825-02
Release Date: 8/25/2007 11:47:00 AM

By April Phillips, Naval Safety Center Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- During a ceremony steeped in tradition, Rear Adm. Arthur Johnson relieved Rear Adm. George E. Mayer as Commander, Naval Safety Center (NSC) Aug. 24.

The ceremony also marked Mayer’s retirement after more than 32 years of service. He took command of NSC in August 2005.

Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Safety) Tom Rollow and Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Patrick M. Walsh were the guest speakers. Rollow spoke of the importance of safety in the fleet.

“The job changing hands here today affects every Sailor, Marine, Department of the Navy civilian and contractor,” Rollow said.

Rollow also told a personal story about his son, a 19-year-old ROTC midshipman who impressed his father by recalling the principles of operational risk management before going mountain biking with friends. Rollow thanked Mayer, saying that type of smart decision-making is directly attributable to his leadership.

“I thank you,” he said. “Not as an Assistant Secretary of the Navy, but as I parent, I thank you.”

Walsh thanked the NSC staff for their efforts.

“You’ve helped shape how we think and how we operate over the years. Thanks for the scholarship, leadership and dedication,” he said.

He also thanked Mayer for “choosing service over self year after year, decade after decade. There’s no more important mission than ensuring the safety of our Sailors and Marines.”

Walsh presented Mayer with the Distinguished Service Medal in recognition of his service.

Mayer recognized his family and his staff for their hard work before lightening things up with his top 10 list of reasons to retire. The list included the fact that most of the ships he’s served on over the years are now “either museums or razor blades.” However, his voice broke with emotion when he read his orders and Johnson officially relieved him.

Johnson is an aviator who most recently served as Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Force 5th/7th Fleet and Commander, Fleet Air Western Pacific.

“I thank God for the opportunity to serve our Navy and our nation in such an important capacity,” he said.