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Wolf Assumes Command of NSWG 4

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080731-33
Release Date: 7/31/2008 10:01:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Robyn Gerstenslager, Naval Special Warfare Group 4

NORFOLK (NNS) -- Naval Special Warfare Group (NSWG) 4 held a change of command ceremony July 31 outside NSWG 4 headquarters.

Capt. Evin H. Thompson was relieved by Capt. Charles T. Wolf.

"From start to finish, Capt. Thompson has led this command and the special boat teams with a steady hand, a hand that was guided in equal measure by a far reaching view of the strategic and vital role the teams play, and a deep respect for the history of the special boat community," said Wolf. "I share this view, and will work hard in the months and years ahead to carry on in the same spirit."

NSWG 4's mission is to organize, train, equip and deploy assigned naval special warfare (NSW) personnel and mobility systems. Additionally, NSWG 4 regularly deploys NSW task force and group level battle groups for command and control of assigned NSW forces. Special warfare combatant-craft crewmen (SWCC) and SEALs from NSWG 4's three component commands, Special Boat Team (SBT) 20 based in Little Creek, Va.; SBT-12, based in Coronado, Calif.; and SBT-22 operate, deploy and maintain state-of-the-art maritime mobility systems. These special operations craft include the highly capable and advanced Mark-V special operations craft (MK-V), the 11-meter rigid-hull inflatable boat (RIB), and the special operations craft-riverine (SOC-R).

During his 24 months at the helm of NSWG 4, Thompson led the way in the growth and management of a professional SWCC force. Under his watch, the three special boat teams within the NSWG 4 claimancy were deployed in approximately 10 countries around the world in support of theater commanders.

Thompson oversaw the establishment of the only riverine live-fire training range in the U.S. Special Operations Command, managed by the SWCC of SBT-22 on Stennis Space Center, Miss. SBT-22 was also actively deployed in support of the war on terrorism each day of Thompson's command. SBT-12 and 20, the coastal forces under Thompson's cognizance, have continuously been engaged in foreign internal defense mission in Africa, as well as counter-reconnaissance missions in Central and South America.

Thompson is reporting as deputy commander, Special Operations Command, South.

"These dedicated operators, combat support Sailors and civilians make a difference every single day, and with the global war on terror's increasing emphasis on maritime operations, their expertise, courage and determination will continue to have a far-reaching impact," said Thompson.

"The experiences I've had with the warriors here have been some of the most satisfying of my entire career. SWCC operators are all over the globe, and their unique and essential support will continue to be a defining force in the war on terror. I could not be more proud of what these men accomplish each and every day."

For more news from Naval Special Warfare Group 4, visit www.navy.mil/local/nswg4/.