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New Commander for NNSY

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090704-10
Release Date: 7/4/2009 7:53:00 AM

From Norfolk Naval Shipyard Public Affairs

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (NNS) -- Norfolk Naval Shipyard's (NNSY) held a change of command ceremony June 26.

Capt. William C. Kiestler relieved Rear Adm. (sel.) Richard D. Berkey NNSY's 103rd Commander.

Commander NAVSEA, Vice Adm. Kevin M. McCoy served as the keynote speaker.

McCoy reflected on the shipyard's successes during Berkey's three years of command. These included overlapping carrier availabilities while preparing USS George Washington (CVN 73) for its role as the forward-deployed carrier in Japan; a steady stream of Los Angeles-class submarine work; transitioning to mission funding; and the Navy's largest consolidation of intermediate and depot-level ship repair work.

"Rick would be the first to tell you that it's a team effort, but every great team has a great leader, and Rick, today is your day," said McCoy. "Rick has led an extraordinary transformation at NNSY with our "Back-to-Basics" initiative as we continue to implement our Strategic Business Plan."

Back to Basics work practices are designed to lower costs and return ships to the fleet on time.

"At a time where every dollar in the budget is being challenged, he raised the bar consistently in delivering the best ships and weapons systems in the world, ahead of schedule and under budget," added McCoy.

Berkey reflected on his time as NNSY commanding officer.

"Three years ago I sat in the same chair that Capt. Kiestler sits in today on a similar beautiful summer day," said Berkey. "I was excited about the future then and was anxious to get started. I continue to be excited about the future and am confident that he will continue to lean forward in leading this shipyard to even greater successes."

NNSY is one of four public shipyards and a field activity of Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA).

"Words alone cannot adequately express how truly honored I am to be selected to lead this great command," said Kiestler. "Thank you to the men and women of NNSY, both military and civilian. I look forward to serving you as your shipyard commander. I know that like me you are committed to serving the fleet and to the continuous improvement of our shipyard."

NAVSEA's four public shipyards play a major role in sustaining America's fleet and provide wartime surge capability to keep the nation's ships ready for combat.

For more news from Naval Sea Systems Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/navsea/.