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Expeditionary Combat Readiness Center Changes Hands

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090813-10
Release Date: 8/13/2009 4:52:00 PM

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist (AW) Gino N. Carr, Expeditionary Combat Readiness Center Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- The Expeditionary Combat Readiness Center (ECRC) received a new commanding officer during an official change of command ceremony held at the Carl Brashear Conference Center on Naval Amphibious Base, Little Creek July 31.

Capt. Michael L. Jordan relieved Capt. Jeffery L. McKenzie. Mckenzie, who had the distinct honor to serve as the first commanding officer for ECRC since its establishment in October 2006, will retire following 26 years of active duty.

Mckenzie expressed gratitude to the Sailors of ECRC and thanked them for their tireless efforts and job well done.

"I know what it is that you do and how hard you work and the daily sacrifices made by you and your families as you serve others," said Mckenzie. "I am in awe at your selflessness, and I will always be thankful."

A highlight of McKenzie's time as commanding officer includes the establishment of the successful Warrior Transition Program, which offers a single location to provide individual augmentee (IA) Sailors with education and tools to help them with the mental transition to and from their assignments. The program also provides a safehaven for warfighters to decompress in preparation for their return home.

Guest speaker Rear Adm. Carol Pottenger, commander of Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC), praised the accomplishments of McKenzie and thanked the crew of ECRC for all of their sacrifices.

"I understand the challenges associated with these non-traditional deployments, and all of you have been tireless in your support to our Sailors and their families," said Pottenger. "As you say farewell to Capt. Mckenzie and welcome Capt. Jordan, your pride, standards and morale are clearly evident."

Pottenger noted that Mckenzie infused ECRC with his personal determination and grit to establish, operate, and succeed in delivering IAs to their assignments and get them back home to their families.

According to Pottenger, Jordan is the right choice for ECRC.

Jordan, who recently left Combined Task Force (CTF) 56 at Naval Support Activity Bahrain where he was commanding officer, expressed his eagerness to work with the men and women of ECRC.

"To the Sailors and families of ECRC, I am honored and excited to join the ECRC team as we continue to serve together in supporting our Navy IA Sailors," said Jordan. "I look forward to the challenges ahead to continue the critical mission in caring for our Navy IA Sailors."

ECRC is part of NECC, a global force provider of rapidly deployable and agile expeditionary forces, made up of active-duty and Reserve mission specialists, to warfare commanders in support of maritime security operations around the globe.

For more news from Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/necc/.