Navy Reserve Force Changes Command
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS100331-14
Release Date: 3/31/2010 3:18:00 PM
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ryan Hill, Commander Navy Reserve Force Public Affairs
NORFOLK, Va (NNS) -- Commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command (CNRFC) held a change of command ceremony at the Joint Forces Staff College MacArthur auditorium March 31.
Rear Adm. Lothrop S. Little relieved Rear Adm. John G. Messerschmidt as commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command.
The transfer of leadership at CNRFC is a familiar situation for both admirals.
Little previously served at the helm of the command until Nov. 6, 2008 and was relieved by Messerschmidt so he could serve a one-year mobilization to Iraq as deputy commander of Joint Task Force (JTF) 134. JTF 134, based in Iraq, is a multinational task force that conducts detainee operations.
Chief of Navy Reserve Vice Adm. Dirk J. Debbink served as guest speaker at the ceremony. Debbink remarked that today's ceremony brought back memories of their 2008 change of command.
"New York Yankees catcher Yogi Berra has a famous saying; 'it's déjà vu all over again'," said Debbink. "Yogi Berra said [this] when describing Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris as they repeatedly hit back-to-back home runs. I don't think there's a better pair of home run hitters than John Messerschmidt and Buzz Little.
Little told the staff that he looks forward to reintegrating with the command he previously led.
"Today is your day," said Little. "This ceremony highlights the outstanding support you provide to our Reserve Force Sailors as they serve throughout the globe. I look forward to working with you to fulfill the great potential of these continuum service and operational support missions."
During his tour at CNRFC, Messerschmidt was instrumental in the relocation of 428 staff personnel from New Orleans, La., to Norfolk, Va. He managed a $1.3 billion budget and led the mobilization of more than 6,000 Reservists a year. The mobilized Sailors support overseas contingency operations in 14 countries and supplied humanitarian assistance during disaster relief efforts in Haiti. Messerschmidt was awarded the Legion of Merit for his accomplishments with the command and will be returning to his civilian job with the Mitre corporation.
During the ceremony, Messerschmidt told a story about a situation during the CNRFC 2008 change of command in New Orleans. When the bell ringer was ringing him aboard at the beginning of that ceremony, the bell broke off its stand and fell to the ground. The petty officer responsible for ringing the bell quickly picked it up and performed the remaining rings while holding the bell in her hand. Though it might have been an embarrassing moment at the time, Messerschmidt said it exemplified the kind of command he would come to appreciate.
"I tell you that story for a reason," said Messerschmidt. "What I saw in that instant of time was a Sailor who quickly recognized a problem, assessed the situation, developed a course of action and successfully executed the mission. That is what I had the distinct privilege of witnessing every single day I've been in this job; the agility, flexibility and professionalism of our Sailors, our Marines, our civilians and our contractors, and that's what I'm going to miss the most."
Messerschmidt also stressed the importance of how the Navy Reserve delivers timely operational capabilities through its people and equipment. The Reserve Force provides seamless integration that has Navy Reservists serving alongside active component Sailors delivering capabilities that are unmatched.
Navy Reserve Force makes up 20 percent of the entire Navy Force and accounts for approximately 50 percent of Navy personnel serving in support of overseas contingency operations. Emphasizing the ability to be "ready now, anytime, anywhere," the Navy Reserve Force provides the fleet with on-demand expertise through part-time service.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
