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NEXCOM Holds Change of Command

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090827-25
Release Date: 8/27/2009 4:35:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joseph R. Wax, Navy Public Affairs Support Element-East

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) held a change of command ceremony at the NEXCOM headquarters in Virginia Beach, Va. Aug. 21.

Rear Adm. Steven J. Romano relieved Rear Adm. Robert J. Bianchi as commander of an organization that encompasses 105 Navy Exchange facilities, including 305 retail stores worldwide, 43 Navy Lodges, the ships' afloat retail stores and the Uniform Program Management Office.

Bianchi will take over as the assistant deputy director, chief of staff for Fleet Readiness and Training, Fleet Supply Officer, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Norfolk, Va.

The guest speaker, Rear Adm. Michael J. Lyden, commander, Navy Supply Systems Command and Chief of Supply Corps, praised Bianchi for leading a very successful NEXCOM team during a time of national economic turmoil.

"Rob [Bianchi] and the NEXCOM team have performed superbly," said Lyden. "They have done a phenomenal job of handling a complex organization with the challenges of making a profit in a difficult economic period."

Bianchi, with the help of more than 15,000 NEXCOM employees worldwide, ran an enterprise that brought in more than six billion dollars, contributing 164 million to Navy quality of life programs from July 2007 to August 2009.

"It is an honor to recognize the accomplishments of Rob and the resounding success of the Navy Exchange Service Command in serving our forces around the world," said Lyden. "He managed the largest new uniform roll out in recent history. The 512 million dollar program will outfit more than 400,000 Sailors, active and reserve."

Bianchi thanked his staff for all of their hard work during the past two years.

"I can't tell you how proud I am to have worked with the people at NEXCOM," said Bianchi. "The associates make our exchanges more than just a retail store for the Sailors and their families."

Romano comes to NEXCOM from the United States European Command Headquarters in Stuttgart-Vaihingen, Germany where he served as the director of Logistics and Security Assistance.

"As we move into the future our challenges are many," said Romano. "With every challenge is an opportunity for new partnerships and achievements. Let our journey begin."

For more news from Navy Exchange Service Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/nexcom.