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Naval Forces Japan, Navy Region Japan Holds Change of Command

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090414-17
Release Date: 4/14/2009 6:11:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Dominique Pineiro, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Japan Public Affairs

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Japan (CNFJ) held a change of command ceremony April 9 aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73).

Rear Adm. Richard B. Wren relieved Rear Adm. James D. Kelly as commander, U.S. Naval Forces Japan, commander, Navy Region Japan and commander, Naval Component U.S. Forces Japan.

More than 800 dignitaries, officers, U.S. and Japanese staff, families and friends attended the event held inside the ship's hangar bay.

"This morning we honor a lifetime of service by Rear Admiral Jamie Kelly and of course, Amy, both living national treasures in our service whose contributions to this alliance and the U.S. Navy have been priceless," said Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet Adm. Robert F. Willard, who served as guest speaker.

Kelly's service in Japan has left an indelible mark on Sailors, their families and Japanese host communities, as many distinguished guests relayed in their remarks.

"Admiral Kelly also exemplifies himself as a good neighbor to enhance the relationship between the bases of U.S. naval forces and the local people and governments as well as the municipalities," said Vice Minister of Japan Mitoji Yabunaka on behalf of Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso.

"Kelly was truly a role model for all U.S. service members as an 'ambassador in uniform'."

Kelly then took center stage one last time as regional commander.

"It's not about me…it's about the captains and the commanders and the people who work for them," he said. "You are all rock stars…because you enable the fleet."

Willard presented Kelly with the Distinguished Service Medal for service as regional commander September 2005 - April 2009. During Kelly's three and a half years, he played a pivotal role in marking the shift of the Navy's first permanently forward-deployed, nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and personally executed a series of strategic and tactical political and community outreach actions to build and foster a relationship of trust, confidence and acceptance with the Japanese Government and its citizens. He is also credited for introducing the "Navy burger" as a local special to Yokosuka citizens.

"Today we also recognize and welcome Rear Adm. Rick Wren and Diane, who are no strangers to Japan…no flag officer is better-suited to assume command of CNFJ than Rear Adm. Rick Wren," Willard said.

The new regional commander expressed his enthusiasm for his new assignment as well, thrilled to be on his fourth tour in Japan. "Over the five years I've spent in Japan, I've learned to love the culture of Japan and most importantly understand and believe in the strength of our alliance," said Wren. "I call this my dream job."

Kelly plans to retire to Washington State after a 37-year career in the U.S. Navy.

Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Japan is focused on regional relationships, warfighter readiness, force posturing and repositioning, future transformation and strategic communications.

For more news from Commander, Naval Forces Japan, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnfj/.