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New Commander for Navy Region Hawaii, Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS081028-16
Release Date: 10/28/2008 9:46:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael A. Lantron, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Commander, Navy Region Hawaii (CNRH) and Commander, Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific (CNSG MIDPAC) held a change of command ceremony aboard Naval Station Pearl Harbor Oct. 24.

Rear Adm. Townsend G. Alexander was relieved by Rear Adm. Dixon R. Smith.

"I am thankful for spending the last two years in the beautiful state of Hawaii," said Alexander. "The spirit of 'aloha' is truly magical, and I've never served in a state where so many have been so friendly and supportive."

Alexander assumed the title of CNRH and CNSG MIDPAC Aug. 8, 2006. During his 26-month tour, Alexander executed phases of the Navy's first public-private venture housing project, achieved five-star accreditation for bachelor housing and galley services and oversaw the redevelopment of the Moanalua Shopping Center among many other notable achievements.

While talking to the crowd packed with distinguished guests and local military officials, Alexander spoke about his fondest memory while stationed in Hawaii.

"What was most memorable about my tour were the people of Oahu and Kauai who have treated me with so much 'aloha' and welcomed me into their communities. I will truly miss the people of Hawaii," said Alexander.

Alexander also thanked the hundreds of personnel he has worked with throughout his Hawaii tour.

"I'm extremely thankful for the members of the CNRH/CNSG MIDPAC team," said Alexander. "I have never worked with such a talented group of military, civilian and contractor personnel, and I will never forget the dedication to excellence you have given me."

Boatswain's Mate 1st Class (SW/AW) Conrad Mathis, assigned to CNRH worked with Alexander.

"The biggest thing I can take from Rear Adm. Alexander is that no matter who you were, he always treated you with dignity and respect," said Mathis. "He always did everything that was correct and by the book in every case he had."

Vice Adm. Robert T. Conway Jr., commander, Navy Installations Command, served as guest speaker for the ceremony. During his speech, Conway discussed the importance of Alexander's accomplishments as CNRH and CNSG MIDPAC.

"Alexander was no stranger to taking on complex challenges and making things happen," said Conway. "Commanding a complex region, he superbly led teams in supporting the Navy's mission. In short - he executed brilliantly."

Immediately after assuming command, Smith spoke to the audience and expressed his delight for being in Hawaii and looking forward to continued excellence in the region.

"I've had the privilege of serving in many great locations throughout the world during my career, but my family and I have never had the privilege to live here in Hawaii," said Smith. "I am excited to continue to build upon the relationship Rear Admiral Alexander and his predecessors have developed, and I look forward to being a good and engaged neighbor."

Smith is a native of Greens Farms, Conn.

During the ceremony, Conway presented Alexander with the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services.

Alexander's next assignment will be as commander, Navy Region Southeast, which encompasses Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee, as well as the Caribbean, Cuba, and Puerto Rico. Alexander is a native of Newport, R.I.

Smith previously served as commanding officer of Naval Base San Diego. As CNRH, Smith will serve as the regional coordinator for all shore-based naval personnel and shore activities in Hawaii. As CNSG MIDPAC, he will be responsible for the maintenance and training of the 11 surface ships homeported in Pearl Harbor, to prepare these ships for forward deployed fleet operations.

For more news from Commander, Navy Region Hawaii, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnrh/.