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Naval Station Guanatanamo Bay Changes Command

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080926-16
Release Date: 9/26/2008 8:43:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kimberly Williams, Naval Station Guantanamo Bay Public Affairs

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba (NNS) -- Naval Station (NAVSTA) Guantanamo Bay (GTMO) was passed to a new set of hands during a change of command ceremony Sept. 25 at the Windjammer Ballroom.

Capt. Steven Blaisdell relieved Capt. Mark Leary as commanding officer.

Leary, who served as commanding officer of NAVSTA GTMO from September 2005 to September 2008, will report to Navy Reserve Officer Training Command, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, Fla.

"I've never had the honor to work with so many people who have worked so hard in one place," said Leary. "I doubt that I will ever see this type of cooperation again."

Before reporting to NAVSTA GTMO, Blaisdell served as the assistant chief of staff, theater security cooperation and exercises for Commander, United States Naval Forces Southern Command.

"I am honored to serve as commanding officer of NAVSTA GTMO," said Blaisdell. "Our purpose remains constant and we will be fundamentally devoted to excellence. I look forward to serving here."

For more news from Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, visit www.navy.mil/local/guantanamo/.