Naval Station Norfolk's 46th Commanding Officer Takes Charge

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Edward Guttierrez III, Navy Public Affairs Support Element, East

NORFOLK (NNS) -- Capt. Douglas J. Beaver assumed the duties as commanding officer of Naval Station Norfolk (NSN) after relieving Capt. Robert E. Clark Jr. during a change of command ceremony aboard the installation Aug. 7.

"I look forward to working with you, Capt. Richard McDaniel (prospective executive officer) and Command Master Chief (William) Carabello, in the coming months to continue the world-class service the men and women of Naval Station Norfolk provide to the U.S. Atlantic Fleet," said Beaver.

Beaver reported to NSN in February 2014 to act as Clark's executive officer, supporting the present NSN mission. A native of Honolulu, Hawaii, he graduated from Virginia Tech and was commissioned through the NROTC program in June 1991. His shore tours include Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center in Fallon, Nevada; officer-in-charge of the Weapons and Tactics Unit at Airborne Early Warning Wing Atlantic in Norfolk, Virginia; placement officer at the Navy Personnel Command in Millington, Tennessee; action officer on the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Arlington, Virginia; and Fleet Readiness Reporting and Assessment Branch head on the U.S. Fleet Forces Command staff in Norfolk. Beaver has accumulated more than 2,900 flight hours in 10 different aircraft types.

NSN houses the largest concentration of U.S. Navy forces. As the world's largest naval station, its ships and aircraft support U.S. European and Central Command theaters of operation and the Caribbean. According to retired Capt. David A. Culler Jr., NSN's 44th commanding officer and guest speaker, there is no higher honor than to lead the Navy's largest installation.

"Naval Station Norfolk has the highest caliber of dedicated military and civilian personnel on the planet, doing their part every day to keep this strategically important installation focused on supporting warfighting readiness with absolute precision," said Culler. "Having that caliber of individuals is a blessing for any commanding officer."

Clark assumed command of NSN in February 2014 and will retire in November following 26 years of naval service. A Virginia native, his personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (1 Gold Star), Navy Commendation Medal (3 Gold Stars), Navy Achievement Medal (2 Gold Stars) and various other personal and campaign awards.

"To the Sailors and civilians of Naval Station Norfolk, you've made me so incredibly proud, "said Clark. "I can't thank you enough for your hard work and dedication to Naval Station Norfolk and the entire fleet. It has truly been an honor and privilege to serve as your commanding officer."

"Since 1917, Naval Station Norfolk has prepared and supported the fleet in every conflict since World War I," said Culler. "Our nation, our people, our children and our grandchildren live a little safer and freer because of the exceptional support this installation has provided to the fleet, our warfighters, and their families - the mission has always been crystal clear and it has required great commanding officers...to ensure mission success regardless of the challenges and circumstances."