Military

Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Reserve Component Command Change of Command

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS071129-06
Release Date: 11/29/2007 9:46:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jerome W. Mapp, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Reserve Component Command Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- Capt. John E. Cole assumed leadership of the Navy's largest reserve component command Nov. 16, when he relieved Capt. Ronald L. Harrell as commander of Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Reserve Component Command (RMARCC) at Naval Station Norfolk.

Rear Adm. Craig O. McDonald, commander of the Navy Reserve Forces Command and the ceremony's guest speaker, said that America's military leaders bear the responsibility of ensuring America's freedom, much as the American patriots who fought the war for Independence did more than 200 years ago.

"Today as you witness this transfer of leadership, I can assure you that you are seeing something that has been in the making for years," McDonald said. "Good leaders know they are part of a never-ending process that involves life-long learning, infinite experiences, rigorous training, self-discipline, self-assessment, and finally, gutsy fortitude. Capt. Ron Harrell and John Cole are just such leaders. They have those qualities that we need in our United States Navy."

Harrell took command of Navy Reserve Region Mid-Atlantic Readiness Command in 2003. Under his watch, the command was relocated to Norfolk this summer from Washington Navy Yard, D.C., and renamed Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Reserve Component Command.

Harrell has been ordered to Mayport, Fla., as the deputy commander of Frigate Class Squadron.

Cole previously commanded Navy Operational Support Center Norfolk.