CLDJ Holds Change of Command Ceremony in Djibouti

By Lt. Cmdr. Erik Wells, Camp Lemonnier Public Affairs

DJIBOUTI (NNS) -- Camp Lemonnier (CLDJ), Djibouti, the U.S. military's only enduring base in Africa, held a change of command ceremony, today, Oct. 14.

Capt. Geoffrey T. Colpitts took command from Capt. Matthew P. O'Keefe during a ceremony presided over by Rear Adm. John C. Scorby, Jr., commander of Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia.

Scroby spoke of O'Keefe's accomplishments while leading Camp Lemonnier for the past ten months that has allowed the critical missions in the region to continue.

"At Camp Lemonnier, our warfighters are able to focus on the mission because Skipper O'Keefe and his team take care of everything else by providing stellar customer service to the fleet, the fighter and the family," Scorby said.

During O'Keefe's tenure major construction projects were completed such as a new warehouse and the U.S. military's first permanent barracks on the African continent. O'Keefe said the construction efforts at CLDJ demonstrate to the Djiboutian government and its citizens that the U.S. is here to stay to improve the security of the region and to fight violent extremists.

"It has been my distinct pleasure in building and continuing to build the relationship that exist between our great nations," O'Keefe said.

O'Keefe's greatest praise was for the men and women - military and civilian - who he called "the finest group of patriots on the planet" and thanked them for "serving our country overseas so that our loved ones may enjoy peace at home."

Camp Lemonnier's new commanding officer is no stranger to the importance the role CLDJ plays in the region.

Colpitts spent 18 months assigned to Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa which is a tenant command on the base. During his deployment in 2012, Colpitts was the officer-in-charge of the first permanent U.S. military presence in Mogadishu, Somalia in 20 years. He was also the senior U.S. military officer in Somalia coordinating all U.S. military support to Somalia and the African Union combat troops operating in Somalia.

"I believe that the greatest legacy that we as U.S. military members and civilians will leave on this continent is not buildings and not structures, but the influence of our character," Colpitts said.

Colpitts added that he has been impressed during his month-long turnover at the skill, pride and professionalism of the military and civilian personnel on the base.

"The men and women of Camp Lemonnier are the heart and soul of this tremendous and dynamic place here in the Horn of Africa," Colpitts said. "Each and every one of you are incredible people. The safety and health of everyone on Camp Lemonnier is my number one priority."

Camp Lemonnier supports Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa and other tenant commands protecting United States interests in Africa, and provides full spectrum individual support to personnel stationed on Camp Lemonnier. Camp Lemonnier partners with its host nation, Djibouti, to be a valued part of the community by fostering long-term common interests.

Commander, Submarine Force Change of Command Makes 'Wildest Dreams' Come True

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist (SW/AW) Monique Meeks, Commander, Submarine Force, Atlantic Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- Vice Adm. Joseph E. Tofalo relieved Vice Adm. Michael J. Connor as Commander, Submarine Forces in a change of command ceremony aboard the Los Angeles-class submarine USS Newport News (SSN 750) in Norfolk, Virginia, Sept. 11.

"I'm very proud of where the submarine force is today and where it's headed for the future, but the success that we enjoy today is certainly not because of me. I oversaw some incremental improvements to a foundation that was built by my predecessors, many of whom are here today," said Connor. "Because of all of you, I'm turning over a force that is safer, more reliable and more forward-leaning than the one I inherited - and the force I inherited was pretty darn good."

Adm. Cecil D. Haney, commander, U.S. Strategic Command, and Adm. Phil Davidson, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, were guest speakers during the ceremony.

"Mike brilliantly empowered this exquisitely capable submarine force in a truly sublime manner - right at the core - making them ready to conduct prompt, sustained combat operations at sea, both today and tomorrow," said Davidson. "Mike also oversaw the successful integration of enlisted women into submarines, ensuring that we recruit the best, brightest and most determined warriors from the entirety of America."

Since taking command of the submarine force in September 2012, Vice Adm. Connor played a pivotal role in the future of the force.

"Mike has seen a tectonic shift in the landscape of the submarine force in the last 36 years," said Haney. "While the force has undergone change, Mike has sustained excellence in operations while increasing the safety in operations.

"His dedication in leading the men and women of the submarine force has tremendously improved the force's capability. As a staunch advocate of strategic deterrence, he has increased the life of our aging ballistic-missile submarine force and has refined the effort of our Sailors in continuing to maintain their operations. Mike's efforts and those of Vice Adm. Tofalo, have gotten our Ohio Class Replacement Program on track and have kept it on track," continued Haney.

"His legacy in this effort will continue. As a brilliant strategist, he has made a difference in the force's operations, as well as with our most vital resource - our Sailors. His Undersea Dominance Campaign Plan and the Undersea Rapid Capability Initiative has positioned the U.S. Navy to sustain and advance its undersea dominance through the next generation, and keep the best submarine force in the world reigning supreme."

A native of Weymouth, Massachusetts, Vice Adm. Connor graduated from Bowdoin College in 1980. He is a Mahan Scholar and distinguished graduate of the Naval War College with a Master of Arts in National Security Affairs and Strategic Studies. Following completion of his initial nuclear power and submarine training, he served aboard USS Ulysses S. Grant (SSBN 631), USS Pittsburgh (SSN 720), USS Providence (SSN 719), and USS Augusta (SSN 710).

Connor commanded USS Seawolf (SSN 21) from 1997 to 2000. He served as Commander, Submarine Squadron 8 from March 2003 through July 2004. From June 2008 until April 2010, he served as commander, Submarine Group 7, Task Force 54/74 Yokosuka, Japan.

Connor's shore assignments include service at the Navy Operational Intelligence Center; Flag Secretary for the Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet; and Prospective Commanding Officer Instructor for U.S. Atlantic Fleet. He has served on the Joint Staff, on the staff of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy; and as director, Submarine Warfare Division (N87); director, Naval Warfare Integration Group (N00X); and assistant deputy chief of Naval Operations for Warfare Systems (N9B) on the OPNAV staff.

"It has been an honor and a pleasure to serve with you and alongside you," said Connor. "I am so happy to finish my tour in the Navy in this job, on this staff, with so many family and friends present. I know Joe Tofalo well, I think I had a fair amount of influence in the fact that he is my relief, and he is the perfect person to follow me and take the force to the next level of performance."

Vice Adm. Joe Tofalo will continue not only the legacy of Vice Adm. Connor, but also that of his parents. His father was a 35-year career naval officer and his mother a Navy WAVE, one of the first enlisted women in the Navy.

In his introductory remarks, Tofalo shared his happiness for taking on his new role through a lighthearted story.

"I was sitting having a cup of coffee with Suzanne this morning and I said to her, 'Honey, did you ever think in your wildest dreams, that you and I would return as commander, Submarine Forces?' And of course, Suzanne, always one to keep my feet firmly planted on the ground, not skipping a beat, says to me, 'Joe, what makes you think for a minute that you are in any of my wildest dreams?' Like I said, Suzanne is always one to keep my feet firmly planted on the ground and we are thrilled that those feet are planted right here in Norfolk, Virginia."

Tofalo grew up in upstate New York and graduated with distinction from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1983 with a bachelor's degree in Computer Science. He also holds a master's in Engineering Management from Catholic University of America.

A career submarine officer, Tofalo's at-sea assignments include USS Flasher (SSN 613), USS Michigan (SSGN 727), and USS Montpelier (SSN 765). His at-sea command assignments were as commanding officer of USS Maine (SSBN 741) and commander, Submarine Squadron 3.

Tofalo's staff assignments include three assignments on Commander, Submarine Forces staff; two assignments on Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces staff; four assignments on the Chief of Naval Operations staff; U.S. Joint Forces Command; and the Joint Staff.

Selected for rear admiral in December 2009, his first flag assignment was as deputy chief of staff for Global Force Management and Joint Operations (N3B), U.S. Fleet Forces Command. In August 2011, he relieved as commander, Submarine Group 10 and in December 2013 as director, Undersea Warfare on the Chief of Naval Operations staff in the Pentagon.

Vice Adm. Tofalo expressed his gratitude to Vice. Adm. Connor and his wife, Kate, for leaving him with the greatest submarine force on the planet. He also thanked his shipmates, friends, and family.

"Suzanne, we've come a long way since USS Flasher and that little apartment at the end of the fishing pier," said Tofalo in closing. "I can tell you that my wildest dreams would not have been possible without you."

U.S. 7th Fleet Holds Change of Command

From U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- U.S. 7th Fleet held a change of command ceremony at the Fleet Activities Yokosuka Fleet Theater, Sept. 7.

Vice Adm. Joseph P. Aucoin assumed command of the world's largest forward-deployed naval force from Vice Adm. Robert L. Thomas.

As he thanked the many entities that contributed to his tour, Thomas asked "that this momentum we've built... we just keep that going with Adm. Aucoin."

Aucoin, a graduate of North Carolina State University, became the 50th commander of U.S. 7th Fleet, following a tour as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfare Systems.

"I can't describe how honored I am to be back in 7th Fleet, this is a storied command," said Aucoin. "7th Fleet is the jewel of our Navy."

Thomas has been relieved of his duties as 7th Fleet commander for his new assignment as director of Navy Staff for the Chief of Naval Operations.

Adm. Scott H. Swift, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, was the distinguished guest and delivered remarks describing the wide range of capabilities present in the U.S. 7th Fleet.

"Seventh Fleet demonstrates the value of these capabilities every day, forward deployed to Japan, operating where it matters, when it matters, with what matters in the Indian Ocean and Pacific Oceans," said Swift.

"Seventh Fleet has been and continues to be the leading edge of the Pacific Fleet in Asia."

The U.S. 7th Fleet conducts forward-deployed naval operations in support of U.S. national interests in the Indo-Asia-Pacific area of operations. As the U.S. Navy's largest numbered fleet, 7th Fleet interacts with 35 other maritime nations to build maritime partnerships that foster maritime security, promote stability and prevent conflict.