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Fleet Activities Sasebo Changes Command

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080414-03
Release Date: 4/14/2008 1:38:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Joshua J. Wahl, Fleet Public Affairs Center Detachment Sasebo, Japan

SASEBO, Japan (NNS) -- Numerous U.S. Navy and Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) officers, local government officials and Sailors looked on as Capt. Tilghman D. Payne relinquished command of Fleet Activities Sasebo to Capt. Francis Xavier Martin at a formal ceremony in front of the base headquarters building April 11.

The ceremony marked the end a successful three-year tour for Payne, who served to maintain operational readiness of the Forward-Deployed Naval Force (FDNF) and saw to the needs of six FDNF vessels.

He also led the charge in numerous construction projects on base, including a huge quality of life initiatives in new housing developments, as well as fitness and activity centers.

Guest speaker, Commander U.S. Naval Forces Japan, Rear Adm. James D. Kelly, praised Payne for strengthening the base's alliance with the local Sasebo community and its leaders.

"I think everybody in Sasebo recognizes how special these people are and how special Capt. Tilghman Payne is as a leader in the United States Navy," said Kelly. "His job now is to someday replace me."

Kelly paid tribute to Payne's professionalism by presenting him with a Legion of Merit award for exceptional meritorious conduct and performance of outstanding service as commanding officer.

In his remarks, Capt. Payne talked about the commitment to the U.S. and Japan alliance in Sasebo and the teamwork that made Fleet Activities Sasebo one of the world's most sought-after installations to work, visit and live.

"The thing that has made us the most unique is the people," said Capt. Payne. "It is the cooperative relationship between all individuals that has made great things happen."

At the formal reading of the official orders, Martin relieved Payne and briefly expressed his anticipation and priorities for Sasebo's future.

"I firmly believe Fleet Activities Sasebo is a great command," said Capt. Martin. "I am privileged to have the opportunity to lead such a fine crew and look forward to continuing the close working relationship with the city of Sasebo and the Japanese Self Defense Force neighbors."

For more news from Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo, visit www.navy.mil/local/cfas/.