COMLOG WESTPAC Holds Change of Command in Singapore

From Commander Logistics Group Western Pacific Public Affairs

SEMBAWANG, Singapore (NNS) -- Rear Adm. Charlie Williams relieved Rear Adm. Cindy Thebaud as commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific (COMLOG WESTPAC) during a change of command ceremony, July 1. Williams also assumed duties as commander, Task Force 73 (CTF 73) and Navy Region Singapore (NRS) for U.S. forces.

The guest speaker, U.S. Ambassador to Singapore, Kirk Wagar, praised Thebaud's many accomplishments, including her sustained focus on 7th Fleet logistics and security cooperation activities in South and Southeast Asia - both in direct support of America's rebalance to the Asia Pacific.

"In my view, by providing unparalleled logistics support to the entire Seventh Fleet, by managing a world-class installation for visiting forces and, by leading security cooperation in Southeast Asia, Cindy and her team are literally implementing the naval component of America's rebalance in this vital part of the Asia Pacific," said the Ambassador.

Since August 2013, Thebaud oversaw the logistics and maintenance support of all ships operating in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility, a vast maritime region encompassing more than 54 million square miles between the International Date Line and the approaches to the Strait of Hormuz. With a particular focus on Southeast Asia, Thebaud also enhanced relationships with regional allies, partners and friends through maritime security cooperation activities, such as the bilateral exercise series Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT), the multi-lateral exercise Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training (SECAT) and the Naval Engagement Activity (NEA) with Vietnam. During her command, the first of many rotational deployments of littoral combat ships began with USS Freedom (LCS 1) and concluded in late 2013.

"I have relied on Cindy's advice countless times and can always depend on her to support America's mission," said the Ambassador. "She understands that relationships matter, and that our engagements in this region are intertwined with American prosperity."

Thebaud reflected on her time as commander for COMLOG WESTPAC, CTF 73, NRS and thanked the Sailors, Marines, DoD civilians and local nationals for the opportunity to lead them. She will depart Singapore and travel to Virginia Beach, Virginia, to assume command of Expeditionary Strike Group Two (ESG 2).

"As the Ambassador mentioned, we are the most visible aspect of the Navy's forward presence in Singapore and Southeast Asia," said Thebaud. Noting the diversity of the many commands located in Singapore, she remarked, "it is the team - the entire team - pulling together in the same direction that enables us to accomplish our respective missions as well we do."

A former chief of staff for Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet and commodore of Destroyer Squadron 15, Williams assumed command following a tour as deputy, Surface Warfare Combat Systems on the Chief of Naval Operations Staff in Washington D.C.

"Geography matters and, as someone who has already spent many years in this region, I know that COMLOG WESTPAC has a rather unique vantage on the Asia-Pacific, finding itself at the maritime crossroads of South and Southeast Asia," said Williams. "New platforms, including LCS and her rotational deployments, are a key part of our Navy's forward presence and, as more LCS' deploy, these ships will provide increased opportunities for interaction with the region's people, ships and waters in unprecedented ways."

Located in Singapore since 1991, COMLOG WESTPAC is the U.S. 7th Fleet's provider of combat-ready logistics, operating government-owned and contracted ships to keep units throughout 7th Fleet armed, fueled, and fed. Additionally, COMLOG WESTPAC is 7th Fleet's Theater Security Cooperation agent for South and Southeast Asia.