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Military Sealift Command Holds Change of Command

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS130510-06
5/10/2013

By Military Sealift Command Public Affairs

Norfolk, Va. (NNS) -- Rear Adm. Thomas K. Shannon relieved Rear Adm. Mark H. Buzby as commander, Military Sealift Command, during a change of command ceremony aboard USNS Spearhead (JHSV 1), May 10.

Gen. William M. Fraser III, commander, U.S. Transportation Command and Adm. William Gortney, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces, were the guest speakers.

Buzby, a native of Atlantic City, N.J., assumed command of MSC in Oct. 2009 and ensured ready logistics support for carrier strike groups, expeditionary strike groups and ground force commanders operating forward every day.

While under Buzby's command, MSC ships delivered services, supplies and equipment to all branches of the U.S. military and their combatant commanders around the world, including support to Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, Unified Response in Haiti (2010) and Tomodachi in Japan (2011). He also led the command through a worldwide reorganization, 'One MSC,' that streamlined operations, eliminated duplication and improved efficiency - ultimately saving the Navy millions in personnel costs over the next 10 years.

MSC also supported the successful planning and conversion of USS Ponce (LPD 15) to an interim afloat forward staging base in 2012 and accepted delivery of the remaining T-AKE class, a new missile range instrumentation vessel (USNS Howard O. Lorenzen) and the first-ever joint high-speed vessel (USNS Spearhead) on-time and on-budget during Buzby's tenure.

'It's been an honor and privilege of a lifetime to serve as the Commander of MSC and represent this team of Sailors, Civilian Mariners, and shore-based civil servants who are truly the lifeline of support for our Navy and military worldwide,' said Rear Adm. Buzby.

A graduate of Maine Maritime Academy and native of Calais, Maine, Shannon assumed command of MSC following his last tour of duty as Commander, Carrier Strike Group One in San Diego, Calif.

'Thank you for your trust in me and my ability to lead this critical command,' said Rear Adm. Shannon. 'I am passionate about our important mission, I am honored and humbled by your trust, and will strive constantly to deserve it.'

Shannon's at sea assignments include tours aboard USS Jack Williams (FFG 24), USS Nicholson (DD 982) and USS Boone (FFG 28). His afloat staff duty includes chief staff officer in Destroyer Squadron 14 and surface operations officer in Cruiser Destroyer Group 12. He was also commanding officer of USS De Wert (FFG 45), commanding officer of USS Vicksburg (CG 69) and air defense commander for the John F. Kennedy Battle Group.

MSC operates approximately 110 non-combatant, civilian-crewed ships that replenish U.S. Navy ships, conduct specialized missions, strategically preposition combat cargo at sea around the world and move military cargo and supplies used by deployed U.S. forces and coalition partners.