Military

USPACOM Det. 111 Hosts Change of Command

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS071201-04
Release Date: 12/1/2007 6:36:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Lucinda Thierry, Navy Operational Support Center Tulsa

TULSA, Okla. (NNS) -- Capt. James Stahlman shared many heartfelt memories as he departed U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM) Det. 111 and Capt. Peter L. Gurney, Jr. assumed command on Nov. 17 at the Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) Tulsa.

"The Sailors of PACOM Det. 111 have made significant strides and achievements over the last 24 months, but it will be the people I remember," said Stahlman. "…the executive officer's joy as he pulls out his cell phone to show me the latest picture of his baby boy, the looks on the faces of the Seabees as they were greeted at the airport coming home from the sandbox, the promotions and chief petty officer initiation ceremony are the images I will take with me."

Stahlman went on to remind everyone why they wear the uniform.

"Fellow Sailors, as we stand here today, we are a country at war," he said. "In Iraq and Afghanistan, your brother and sister Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen are on the front lines fighting against an enemy whose single desire is to change our way of life.

"I've tried to bring that personal knowledge of this enemy and its threat to the NOSC each month while instilling an understanding of the sacrifices being made every day by brothers and sisters in arms 8000 miles away.

"And I have tried to demonstrate that each of you can, and should, take the opportunity to make a difference, to take your special skills and do your part to win this war."

Gurney recognized the great work Stahlman did before him, stating that his "successes with PACOM Det. 111 are the foundation upon which we will build going forward."

Gurney listed his overarching goals as "providing maximum mission support to the fleet, helping each and every Sailor grow professionally and maintaining 100 percent mobilization readiness."

Stahlman is now assigned as commanding officer of Navy Reserve United States Joint Forces Command Det. 206 with NOSC Norfolk. Gurney comes to PACOM Det. 111 from PACOM Det. 120 in support of PACOM headquarters at Camp H.M. Smith in Hawaii.