VOL. 53 NO. 36 SEPTEMBER 11, 2014
SERVING NAVAL AIR STATION OCEANA, DAM NECK ANNEX, AND NALF FENTRESS Rear Adm. Dixon R. Smith (l) is awarded the Legion of Merit by Vice Adm. William D. French. Rear Adm. Rick Williamson relieved Smith as commander, Navy Region MidAtlantic during a change of command ceremony, Sept. 4, in hangar LP-33, home of the “World Famous Tigertails” at Naval Station Norfolk. Smith has nominated been for appointment to the rank of vice admiral and next reports to the office of the Chief of Naval Operations.
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SAILORS WALK WITH COMMMUNITY TO SAVE LIVES —Page 4
Navy Region Mid-Atlantic holds change of command STORY/PHOTO BY MC3 JUSTIN R. DINIRO Navy Public Affairs Support Element East Members of Navy Region Mid-Atlantic (MIDLANT) said farewell to Rear Adm. Dixon Smith and welcomed new commander, Rear Adm. Rick Williamson,during a change of command ceremony Sept. 4, held in Hangar LP33, home of the “World Famous Tigertails,” at Naval Station Norfolk. On hand for the ceremony was Vice Adm. William D. French, commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC)
and Adm. Bill Gortney, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, who served as guest speakers. The audience of hundreds ranged from local government and community officials, fellow flag and commanding officers, to regional staff, family and friends. Capt. Bob Geis, chief of staff, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, served as master of ceremonies and Capt. Raymond Houk, regional chaplain, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, provided the invocation and benediction. The Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Honor Guard executed the presentation of colors
and the U.S. Fleet Forces Band provided ceremonial music with the national anthem sung by Cmdr. Colleen Shook, of the Judge Advocate General Corps. “Dixon and Williamson are both passionate and energetic leaders,” said French. “Williamson is absolutely the right officer to be here to take over the largest region we have to build upon the success that Dixon and his predecessors have established.”
— See CNRMA page 8
About CNRMA Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic is the regional coordinator for all shore-based naval personnel and shore activities in the Mid-Atlantic, which encompasses 20 states, 14 installations and 50 naval operational support centers.
LOCAL DEMO TEAMS TAKING TO SKIES FOR AIR SHOW —Page 9
SEPT. 11 SERVICE A special service to commemorate the anniversary of Sept. 11 will be held at NAS Oceana today, in front of building 230. The service will be hosted by the Oceana chief selects. Guests are asked to arrive by 5:45 p.m. for the 6 p.m. event, which includes guest speakers. There is no dress code or mandatory uniform for military. Open to those with normal base access.