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Navy ASW Center Gets New Commander

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080409-17
Release Date: 4/9/2008 5:31:00 PM

By Candace Mitchell, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command Public Affairs

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. (NNS) -- Naval Oceanography Antisubmarine Warfare (ASW) Center held a change of command ceremonyduring a ceremony April 9 at Stennis Space Center (SSC).

Cmdr. Tony Miller relieved Cmdr. John Van Gurley as commanding officer.

Capt. Robert Kiser, commanding officer of the Naval Oceanography Operations Command, was the guest speaker at the traditional ceremony.

"We are replacing one superstar with another superstar," said Kiser.

The ASW center was established at SSC in 2006 with Gurley as its first commanding officer. It includes about 48 personnel at SSC with another 46 people at subordinate activities. The center provides warfighters involved in naval ASW exercises and operations with oceanographic expertise and access to products and services of the Naval Oceanographic Office at SSC.

The center reports to the Naval Oceanography Operations Command, a subordinate of the Commander, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command, both located at SSC.

Gurley attributed the success of the ASW center during its first 18 months to the dedicated staff.

"Day and night, I would see incredible people who would not leave the watch floor even though it was long past their shift," he said. Gurley also said he was most proud of watching staff members – both military and civilians – grow, rise and excel.

Miller said the achievements of the ASW center so far have been nothing short of phenomenal.

"Cmdr. Gurley is turning over a fantastic command to me," he said.

Miller was commissioned in 1990 after graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy with a bachelor's degree in oceanography. In 2000, he earned a Master of Science degree in meteorology and oceanography from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif., and a doctorate in physical oceanography from NPS in 2004.

His awards include a Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medals, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and various unit and service awards. He most recently served as Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff on the Technology Transition and Integration department on the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command staff.

Gurley moves to the U.S. Fleet Forces Command in Norfolk, Va.

The Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command directs the Navy's meteorology and oceanography programs and includes about 3,000 officer, enlisted and civilian personnel located worldwide. The Naval Oceanography Operations Command, established in 2005, is focused on operational support to the Navy's warfighting and support disciplines – Anti-Submarine Warfare; Special Warfare; Mine Warfare; Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance; and Fleet Operations (Strike and Expeditionary); Navigation, Precise Time and Astrometry, Maritime and Aviation.

For more information about the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command, visit http://www.navmetoccom.navy.mil/.

For more news Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command www.navy.mil/local/cnmoc/.