Cmdr. Laura Nevel from Birdsboro, Pennsylvania; Cmdr. Matthew Snodgrass from Hampstead, New Hampshire; Cmdr. David Pascoe from Hornell, New York; and Cmdr. Brian Lucas from Sacramento, Calif.; are the primary Navy Reserve O-5 SWOs to command at sea in over a decade.
The Navy established the command-at-sea insignia to acknowledge the duty positioned on unrestricted line officers who’re in charge of, or have efficiently commanded, afloat, deploying, and or operational items outlined as sea-going instructions beneath the Navy and Marine Corps. The shift acknowledges the duty and accountability the Navy asks of its leaders no matter their element standing.
Rear Adm. Mark Haigis, deputy commander, Navy Expeditionary Fight Command (NECC) supplied the keynote remarks for the ceremony and mentioned designating these officers as at-sea commanding officers is a mirrored image of the belief and confidence that the Navy has in them.
“We acknowledge their distinctive management abilities, operational expertise, and unwavering dedication to our mission” mentioned Haigis. “By granting this designation, we’re trusting these officers to steer on the highest degree, to make crucial choices and to make use of their authorities to form the way forward for our Navy. It’s a testomony to the truth that management is aware of no boundaries and that excellence could be present in each nook of our Navy.”
Earlier this yr, the Navy permitted the safety boat firm commanding officer billets for the command-at-sea designation. After assembly the necessities, the 4 SWOs utilized for the positions and went by a screening course of previous to their detailing.
Beforehand, the Navy reserved the command-at-sea designation inside the Maritime Expeditionary Safety Pressure (MESF) for O-6 squadron commanding officers solely. Nonetheless, as a part of a pressure redesign, MESF emphasizes Reserve warfighting readiness and the operational competencies wanted to handle right now’s maritime safety challenges, which prompted the change.
Nevel mentioned that she was honored the Navy granted her the chance to serve in such an vital position at sea main Sailors.
“The burden of command is heavy, however I additionally know that this will likely be top-of-the-line jobs I’m ever going to have,” mentioned Nevel. “My sailors are a few of the finest I’ve come throughout within the Navy, and I couldn’t be extra honored to be their commanding officer.”
Rear Adm. Ted LeClair, deputy commander, Naval Floor Forces, additionally attended the ceremony, celebrating the milestone for the Reserve floor warfare group.
“We’re laser-focused on figuring out and delivering Navy warfighting capabilities which might be finest fitted to the Reserve element,” mentioned LeClair. “By including these 4 SWOs to command at sea billets, we’re exhibiting our nation that the Navy Reserve is part of our deadly and resilient pressure, prepared for tomorrow’s struggle.”
The Maritime Expeditionary Safety Pressure is actively in search of extra candidates who’re fascinated by commanding safety boat firms. To be eligible for command at sea of a Reserve safety boat firm, officers should meet the next necessities:
Should have an 1115 designator (Reserve floor warfare officer)
Should have beforehand accomplished a MESF officer-in-charge tour, served at a Navy Reserve Readiness Unit, or have the BX3 qualification, symbolizing profitable completion of at the very least 18 months in an operational expeditionary warfare billet inside the NECC Pressure
Should have the 2N1 qualification, symbolizing profitable completion of the Navy Reserve Increase commanding officer/officer-in-charge command qualification course of
Should have a nomination/endorsement from reporting senior for the command screening board
Should have the the 2D1 qualification, symbolizing profitable completion of the MESF command qualification board
Should move a guidelines of the highway examination with at the very least an 80% rating
Reserve SWOs who’re fascinated by making use of for Reserve O-5 command at sea ought to contact the NECC Reserve Program Director for extra data at USFF_COMNECC_LTLC_N1_RPD@us.navy.mil.
The MESF deploys globally and operates all through the sea-to-shore and inland working atmosphere defending maritime infrastructure, offering insertion and extraction capabilities and supporting Fleet belongings in assist of maritime operations. Study extra about NECC and the MESF by visiting our web site at: https://www.necc.usff.navy.mil.
