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Maritime Expeditionary Security Group 1 Changes Command

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090823-02
Release Date: 8/23/2009 12:58:00 AM

From Commander, Maritime Expeditionary Security Group 1 Public Affairs

IMPERIAL BEACH, Calif. (NNS) -- Maritime Expeditionary Security Group (MESG) 1 held a change of command ceremony at Naval Outlying Landing Field Aug. 21 in Imperial Beach, Calif.

Capt. Richard W. Daniel relieved Capt. Gene F. Harr as commodore of MESG 1.

Rear Adm. Carol Pottenger, commander, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC), attended the ceremony as the guest speaker.

Harr took command of MESG 1 in September 2007. As commanding officer, he aligned more than 3,000 active and Reserve billets from 35 Naval Coastal Warfare Units into five squadrons under MESG 1.

MESG 1 provides force protection and fleet support throughout the 3rd, 5th and 7th Fleet Areas of Operations.

Harr served as the deputy commander of Task Force 171 for the 2008 Rim of the Pacific Exercise, providing operational control for hundreds of Navy and Coast Guard personnel, 10 different nations and numerous ships and aircraft.

Pottenger commended MESG 1 on its accomplishments, hard work and dedication.

"Pride, standards and morale in MESG 1 are clearly evident," said Pottenger. "The credit belongs to you; stand proud for all you have done."

Harr took a few moments to praise the Sailors of MESG 1 and thank everyone for a job well done.

"These are the finest and toughest officers, chief petty officers and Sailors in the Navy," said Harr.

In addition, Harr talked about MESG 1's mission and the impact that the command has in global operations today.

"Despite the long hours and hard work, these Sailors have a strong desire to stay in the maritime expeditionary security (MES) community. They are able to contribute directly to war effort," said Harr.

Harr graduated from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va., and received his commission as an ensign in 1985. Harr's next assignment is as commanding officer of Maritime Prepositioning Squadron 2 in Diego Garcia.

Daniel graduated from Texas A & M in College Station, Texas, and received his commission in 1981. His previous assignment was as commanding officer of Maritime Prepositioning Squadron 3 in Guam.

MES' primary mission is force protection conducted through fleet support with operations around the world. Anti-terrorism and force protection missions include harbor and homeland defense, coastal surveillance and special missions. MES force units deploy worldwide to detect, deter and defend an area, unit or high value asset.

MESG 1 is part of NECC, a global force provider of adaptive force packages of expeditionary capabilities to joint warfighting commanders.

For more news from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 1, visit www.navy.mil/local/eod1/.