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Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Changes Command

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080913-30
Release Date: 9/13/2008 2:17:00 PM

By Lt. Cmdr. Susan Henson, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) changed hands during a ceremony Sept. 12 at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek.

Rear Adm. Carol M. Pottenger relieved Rear Adm. Michael P. Tillotson as NECC commanding officer.

Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert, Commander, U. S. Fleet Forces Command, gave the ceremony's keynote address. Greenert spoke about the value of service and gave thanks to NECC Sailors.

"Valor determination and persistence -- [those are] the qualities this command has had and [those are] the qualities they have found in their leader who will transition today, Mike Tillotson," said Greenert. "Carol comes to us with a vast portfolio of capabilities and she is well prepared, and that's exactly the type of leader we need in this community."

Tillotson had served as interim commander of NECC since January 2008. During his tenure, he was instrumental in the development, implementation and participation in the first full Program Objective Memorandum budget for NECC, in excess of $1.6 billion per year. He also developed and implemented forcewide Warrior Transition and Family Readiness Programs to improve the quality of service provided to Sailors returning from combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"The staff of NECC has kept their eye on the ball; they understand it is a serious responsibility," said Tillotson. "I thank you for your hard work and challenge you to continue the superb work you do. Carol, you have the best team you could ask for. The men and women who make up this force are well stationed to follow your lead. I'm sure you will help take this command to the next level."

Tillotson, who assumed duties as NECC commander from Rear Adm. Donald K. Bullard on Jan. 11, 2008, will report to United States Central Command later this month.

During her preparation for taking command of NECC, Pottenger spent time with the combatant commanders talking about security, democracy development and defense, what she referred to as the necessities of joint and interagency coordination.

"Every one of those four-star warfighters forward not only understood how NECC was contributing to their fight, they wanted more," said Pottenger. "They wanted much more."

Pottenger's operational background includes tours as Engineering Division Officer aboard USS Yosemite (AD 19), Operations Officer aboard USS Yellowstone (AD 41) and Executive Officer aboard USS Kiska (AE 35). Pottenger assumed command of USS Shasta (AE 33) in 1996 and USS Bridge (AOE 10) in 2001.

During an extended deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, USS Bridge (AOE 10) re-supplied 10 battle groups, amphibious groups and dozens of coalition ships; receiving both the Battle Efficiency Award and the 2002 Arleigh Burke Fleet Trophy.

Prior to arriving at NECC, Pottenger commanded Expeditionary Strike Group 7/Amphibious Force 7th Fleet Okinawa aboard USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49). She was the first female admiral to lead a forward deployed operational command.

NECC is a global force provider of adaptive force packages of expeditionary capabilities to joint warfighting commanders. NECC serves as a single manning functional command to centrally manage the current and future readiness, resources, manning, training and equipping of the Navy's expeditionary force.

For more news from Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/necc/.