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Naval Base San Diego Bids Farewell to Commanding Officer

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS081016-04
Release Date: 10/16/2008 4:45:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John P. Curtis Fleet Public Affairs Center, Pacific

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Naval Base San Diego held a change of command ceremony Oct. 10 on pier two.

Rear Adm. Dixon R. Smith was relieved by Capt. Ricky L. Williamson as commanding officer of the base.

Smith had been the commanding officer since October 2005.

During the ceremony, Smith thanked different departments within the command for their support throughout his tenure, and he thanked Naval Base San Diego Sailors who are currently serving as individual augmentees in the global war on terror.

Addressing the personnel who served under his command, Smith said, "You are the people that make Naval Base San Diego the standard bearer of naval installations within Commander, Naval Installations Command."

During the ceremony, the guest speaker, Commander, Navy Region Southwest, Rear Adm. Leendert R. Hering, promoted Smith to the rank of rear admiral lower half and presented him with the Legion of Merit.

"His dedication to his country, the Navy and his Sailors is the driving force behind the great accomplishments on this base over the past three years," said Hering.

City of San Diego's 8th District Council member Ben Hueso presented a proclamation declaring Oct. 10 as Rear Adm. Dixon R. Smith Day for Smith's participation in the community of San Diego.

After accepting command, Williamson said to Smith, "Rest assured that with the great team you leave behind, we will build upon your successes as we continue to provide quality support to the fleet, fighters and families."

Williamson most recently served as executive assistant to Commander, Navy Installations Command and has a master's degree in financial management from the Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, Calif.

Smith's next assignment will be Commander, Navy Region Hawaii, and Commander, Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific.

For more news from Naval Base San Diego, visit www.navy.mil/local/NBSD/.