Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Conducts Change of Command Ceremony

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Laurie Dexter, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Detachment Hawaii

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Capt. Stanley Keeve, Jr. relieved Capt. Jeffrey W. James as the commander of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH) at Ford Island, July 11.

Rear Adm. Richard L. Williams was the guest speaker and reflected on James's service to those in attendance.

"Jeff, you set the standard for team building and support to families at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam," said Williams. "You will be remembered for your practical approach, your willingness to listen, and your problem-solving abilities, based on trust throughout the chain of command."

Williams presented James with the Legion of Merit Award and letters of appreciation for his service as commander of JBPHH.

James took command in June 2011 as the second commander of JBPHH. Prior to reporting, James served on the staff of Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet. He will retire after 30 years of naval service.

During James's speech, he reflected on his accomplishments as commander, giving the credit to all the personnel attached to JBPHH.

"Anything that I talk about with respect to the base, any accolades Admiral Williams gave me, anything you heard in the awards citation, is really about them," said James.

James and Keeve took turns reading their orders to the audience, which represents the official command turnover.

After the exchange of command, Keeve addressed the audience.

"To the men and women of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam," said Keeve. "Capt. James's tour of duty was successful because of your dedication, professionalism, and commitment to the mission."

Keeve has served tours of duty on frigate USS Reuben James (FFG 57), cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) and the staff of U.S. Sixth Fleet in Gaeta, Italy. He has served as commanding officer of the mine countermeasure ship USS Guardian (MCM 5) and the destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80). His most recent assignment was military assistant to the Defense Business Board in the Pentagon.

Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam is home to the Air Force's key strategic flight line in the Pacific and the Navy's most historically significant homeport, with 177 tenant commands and about 93,000 active duty personal and their family members, Department of Defense civilians and contractors.