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NSWC Port Hueneme Changes Command

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080906-17
Release Date: 9/6/2008 3:07:00 PM

From Naval Sea Warfare Command Port Hueneme Division Public Affairs

PORT HUENEME, Calif. (NNS) -- Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Port Hueneme Division (PHD) held a change of command ceremony Aug. 29. at Port Hueneme.

Capt. John W. Ailes relieved Capt. Stephen H. Huber. The ceremony also recognized Huber's retirement after 33 years of service in the Navy.

Rear Adm. Archer M. Macy, Jr., commander, Naval Surface Warfare Center, served as keynote speaker and praised Huber for his accomplishments during his tour and his vision for the future.

"He was instrumental in the command's Lean Six Sigma journey; leading PHD to become the benchmark for others to follow. Capt. Huber has been particularly effective in his foresight into the future of the command and the Navy. He recognized the need to transform in order to remain viable for years to come. He has inspired the workforce to look ahead to the year 2023, in which PHD is the fleet's sentinel and indispensable warfare systems support at the waterfront," said Macy.

Huber assumed command of NSWC Port Hueneme in May 2004. During his tour, Huber championed Lean Six Sigma initiatives, resulting in a savings in excess of $26 million. Under his leadership, the command received numerous awards, including the Shingo Silver Medallion Award in recognition of operational excellence in installation process improvements, the Baldridge-based California Award for Performance Excellence and the U.S. Senate Productivity Award.

Huber also expanded community and command involvement in initiatives that fostered increased interest in math, science, and reading at local schools, including the command's Pre-Engineering Program for high school students, the annual National Engineers Week competition for middle school students, and the Read Across America program.

"Let me say to the men and women of PHD – you are a world class organization that continues to improve. Your transformation journey is just beginning and under Capt. Ailes leadership, you will be…the indispensable warfare systems integrator," said Huber.

After an introduction by Huber, Ailes addressed the audience.

"I want you to know that I am committed to continuing the innovation you began on Capt. Huber's watch, and to working with you to define our role in a future where the complexity of our systems and the pace of innovation are both rapidly increasing," said Ailes.

Ailes comes to Port Hueneme from the Navy's Program Executive Office, Integrated Warfare Systems, where he was assigned as the Surface Ship Combat Systems manager. In this capacity, he was responsible for the development and integration of all naval surface combat systems, including the Aegis Weapon System and the Ship Self Defense System MK-2.

NSWC Port Hueneme, a field activity of Naval Sea Systems Command, is the Navy's in-service engineering agent for surface weapons and combat systems, employing approximately 2,000 military and civilian personnel.

For more news from Naval Sea Systems Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/navsea/.