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Naval Magazine Indian Island Changes Command

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080818-08
Release Date: 8/18/2008 3:57:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (AW) Maebel Tinoko, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Det. Northwest

PORT HADLOCK, Wash. (NNS) -- Naval Magazine (NAVMAG) Indian Island changed hands Aug. 15 during a traditional change of command ceremony.

Cmdr. Mark Loose relieved Cmdr. George Whitbred as commanding officer.

According to Rear Adm. James Symonds, commander, Navy Region Northwest, NAVMAG Indian Island has supported Navy and Marine Corps operations and the global war on terror during Whitbred's tenure.

"Under Cmdr. Whitbred's leadership, his crew safely handled and delivered over 138,000 tons of ordnance without a mishap," said Symonds. "When his people stood an explosive safety inspection during a large exercise when 551 containers, which is over 7,400 tons of ordnance, inspectors identified zero deficiencies and 100 percent inventory accuracy."

Symonds said during Whitbred's tenure, when it came time to load out the first newly converted guided-missile submarine USS Ohio (SSGN 726) in 2007, Indian Island personnel, with Cmdr. Whitbred at the helm, showed their true measure.

"The crew loaded out the USS Ohio in one third the time that anybody estimated they would do so," said Symonds. "They got USS Ohio to [her] maiden voyage, which is out there right now. Because of the crew's meticulously planning their renovations and procedures and using their loading equipment meant that the Navy did not have to spend over three million dollars for new specialized loading equipment."

Before receiving his orders and departing for Joint Forces Command in Norfolk, Whitbred thanked those who served under him.

"Thank you to the tremendous crew of fantastic men and women who make Naval Magazine Indian Island what it is today." said Whitbred. "Now as I prepare to move on into the joint side of the military, turning from Navy Blue to purple, the time has come for me to step down and relinquish the reins of this tremendous command."

After Loose relieved Whitbred he thanked everyone for attending the change of command ceremony.

"Since my arrival I have been impressed by the professionalism, dedication, hard work and the total commitment of the work force at Indian Island," said Loose. "I am looking forward to getting to know, serve and support each one of you. Additionally I am eager to share the pride and your commitment for teamwork and to continue to provide top notch support to the fleet."

For more news from Commander, Navy Region Northwest, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnrnw/.