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NSA Mechanicsburg Holds Change Command Ceremony

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100922-08
9/22/2010

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Matthew R. White, Naval Support Activity Mechanicsburg

MECHANICSBURG, Pa. (NNS) -- Naval Support Activity (NSA) Mechanicsburg held a change of command ceremony aboard the facility Sept. 17.

Capt. James Smart relieved Capt. Christopher Vitt as commanding officer of NSA Mechanicsburg, NSA Philadelphia, and the Philadelphia Navy Yard Annex.

Vitt, a thirty-year veteran, retired from the Navy following the change of command.

He reflected fondly upon his career as a supply officer beginning at the University of Florida as a ROTC cadet in 1980, through his years aboard submarines and aircraft carriers making ports of call in many exotic locations all around the world.

He recalled the fact that while his initial plan when joining the Navy was to repay his four-year obligation and move on to a different career, like countless other Sailors who have had the same idea, he couldn't leave the sea behind.

"I could not have dreamed of all the twists and turns of Navy life," Vitt said. "'Join the Navy and see the world' is truth in advertising."

Vitt's years of work as a supply officer eventually led him to NSA as the commanding officer in December 2006, a position few supply corps officers ever get to fill.

Rear Adm. Mark S. Boensel, commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, compared Vitt's commanding officer position to being the mayor, city manager, police and fire chiefs, public works supervisor, and recreation director all rolled into one.

"So this truly is a special opportunity that I embark upon today with great seriousness and purpose," Smart said. "I am most appreciative for the responsibility entrusted to me and will strive with all my efforts to succeed and reward your trust."

One of Smart's first acts as commanding officer was to remind the men and women of NSA that there is a strong need for resourcefulness and financial stewardship in today's economy.

"These past few years have been financially austere, and the next few look if anything, to be more challenging," Smart said. "We will need to be evermore resourceful and flexible in the coming months and years ahead. However, I am committed to doing the utmost possible to provide the base support you require to meet your important mission requirements in logistically supporting our Navy and Marine Corps across the globe."

Smart, originally from Albany, NY, was commissioned through the Officers Candidate School in 1986. He holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Bryant College in Smithfield, R.I., and a master's of science in transportation logistics from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif., and he attended the Executive Education program at Wharton Business School.

Smart's sea assignments include serving as the disbursing, sales, and food services officer aboard USS Kirk (FF 1087) and supply officer aboard USS Chancellorsville (CG 62). Before reporting to NSA Mechanicsburg, Smart was stationed in Singapore and acted as the assistant chief of staff for logistics, Commander Task Force 73, responsible for logistics plans, policy, and execution in support of U.S. Naval Forces operating in the 7th Fleet.