JB MDL, NSA Lakehurst welcome new commander

by Pascual Flores
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs

7/1/2013 - JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Deputy Commander and Naval Support Activity Lakehurst Commander Navy Capt. William Bulis relinquished command to Navy Capt. Christopher Fletcher June 20, 2013, here.

The change-of-command ceremony took place inside the Westfield Hangar, in front of an audience comprising senior leaders, civilians, families, friends and service members of NSA-Lakehurst.

The ceremony commenced as Chief Petty Officer Michael Zgoda, Honor Boatswain's Mate from Philadelphia, piped aboard the official party consisting of the outgoing and incoming commanders and Col. John Wood, JB MDL commander, through a formation of six chief petty officers who were lined up as Side Boys for the ceremony.

"One year ago, 364 days ago, Capt. Bulis said, 'I sure hope to be here for two years,'" said Wood. "It wasn't a promise, so we are letting him off the hook because of the great command opportunity he has."

Wood commented on Bulis' promises that he would focus on the community, Sailors and Airmen and learn the joint base and be a quick study.

"Capt. Bulis delivered on all those promises," said Wood.

A "dual-hatted" command, Bulis served as commander of NSA-Lakehurst and deputy commander of JB MDL.

"He focused on heritage, standards and especially processes," said Wood. "He made sure he had a fit, flexible and capable command. And he delivered in every single one of those areas."

Wood also said, Bulis never failed in his joint role, never failed as the senior Sailor, representing his service and the Department of the Navy.

"During Hurricane Sandy, for 28 straight days, 24 hours, he was the focal point for the Crisis Action Team, for all services, Federal Emergency Management Agency and Title 10 services," said Wood. "He was the voice of our forces to help the community."

Addressing the crowd, Bulis thanked his friends and peers and commended the Sailors of NSA-Lakehurst for the great work and effort during Hurricane Sandy.

"To all the NSA-Lakehurst Sailors, thank you very much. You make things happen," said Bulis.

Bulis moves on to serve as the installation commander at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center, Ill., the largest Navy installation in the Navy.

Fletcher thanked the Sailors and civilians of NSA-Lakehurst for welcoming him and his family to the joint base.

"It is hard to believe that a week ago we were sitting in Italy eating," said Fletcher. "We spent eight years overseas and I think my family will agree that we are happy to be here in the United States, the land of plenty."

A native of Ithaca, N.Y., Fletcher was commissioned in January 1989, through the Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps program.

Fletcher resided in Naples, Italy, prior to his assignment here, where he served as the Deputy Director of Operations for Commander Naval Forces Europe, Commander Naval Forces Africa, Commander Sixth Fleet staff.

"We are excited to be here and looking forward the opportunity to meet the Sailors of NSA-Lakehurst" said Fletcher. "I'm looking forward to being a part of the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, the only tri-service joint base."