Naval Security Command (NAVSAFECOM) held a change of command ceremony at Naval Air Station Oceana right this moment the place Rear Adm. Christopher M. Engdahl relieved Rear Adm. F.R. “Fortunate” Luchtman because the 58th commander of the Navy’s high security group.
Instantly following the change of command proceedings, a retirement ceremony occurred for Luchtman, recognizing his 33 years of naval service.
Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Adm. Daryl Caudle, presided over each ceremonies and delivered remarks because the keynote speaker. Caudle remarked on the significance of the 2 ceremony traditions.
“Commanders have a singular duty to make sure that our naval forces are absolutely ready to compete and deter, in addition to battle and win decisively in protection of our nation and our nation’s pursuits,” Caudle mentioned. “That duty extends not solely to our nation’s residents, however extra importantly, on to our Sailors.”
Following the studying of orders and assumption of command was Engdahl’s flag break.
Luchtman, a naval aviator since 1991, mirrored upon his total profession and thanked the workers of the Naval Security Command for his or her contributions to the mission
“Every of you has made an enduring influence on our work to maintain Sailors and Marines protected and achieved so whereas enduring COVID lockdowns and an enormous upheaval in our missions, features and duties,” mentioned Luchtman. “I can’t thanks sufficient for sustaining deal with the welfare of this nation’s greatest and brightest and for coming collectively to collaboratively clear up a few of our most vexing issues.”
Luchtman assumed command of the then-Naval Security Middle in April 2020. Whereas serving as commander, he was answerable for the pivotal transition and February 2022 institution of the NAVSAFECOM, its new roles, duties and elevated authority.
Caudle counseled Luchtman on his management and experience throughout this transformative time for naval security.
“Residing as much as this heavy job, you confronted this problem with urgency and considerate ability, empowering your group to self-assess, be taught, innovate, and transfer us away from reactively managing security, to proactively managing threat from the very starting,” Caudle mentioned. “Your singular drive for excellence and effectivity, alongside together with your exemplary management, had been completely important to the unconventional restructuring and reorganization of the Naval Security Middle into what we see right here right this moment, the Naval Security Command.”
As a profession F/A-18 Hornet and Tremendous Hornet pilot, he commanded Strike Fighter Squadron Fifteen and Service Air Wing Seven (CVW-7). RDML Luchtman additionally deployed with VFA-82, VFA-136, VFA-131, and CVW-2. He participated in Operations Southern Watch, Deny Flight, Deliberate Drive, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and Inherent Resolve.
Ashore, he served as a Strike Fighter Ways Teacher at Strike Fighter Weapons College, Atlantic; C4 Techniques Chief at U.S. Strategic Command; Tactical Air Commander detailer and Government Assistant to Commander, Navy Personnel Command; and Government Assistant to Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet. Luchtman was promoted to flag rank in August 2018 after assuming his function as Physiological Episodes Motion Group Lead.
Caudle expressed his confidence in Engdahl’s choice because the NAVSAFECOM’s latest commander and his means to propel the group and its achievements to even better heights.
“Your earlier assignments as Commander of Expeditionary Strike Group 7, Amphibious Drive SEVENTH Fleet, Chief of Workers to Commander, Naval Floor Forces Pacific and because the 68th President of the Board of Inspection and Survey, have supremely ready you for the challenges you’ll face as the following Commander of Naval Security Command,” mentioned Caudle.
Caudle gave Engdahl closing recommendation he offers each commander he has led, phrases of recommendation that would resonate with many in attendance and all through the naval enterprise.
“Take cost. Lead boldly with grit, tenacity and innovation. View all missions by way of the lens of warfighting. Be prepared and if referred to as to arms, guarantee we’re able to battle to win!” mentioned Caudle. “You’ll encounter difficult issues, however you’re by no means a sufferer. You’re an answer supplier. And, once you need assistance – ask. I stay up for following Security Command’s continued successes.”
The NAVSAFECOM serves because the naval enterprise lead for non-nuclear security requirements, experience and oversight of the Navy and Marine Corps Security Administration System (SMS). The command’s mission is to protect warfighting functionality, and fight lethality and readiness by working with its stakeholders to determine, mitigate or remove hazards to scale back pointless threat to individuals and sources.
For extra NAVSAFECOM data or sources, go to the command web site at navalsafetycommand.navy.mil
