JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Naval Air Facility Washington held a change of command ceremony in Hangar 14 on Joint Base Andrews NAF Washington on July 24.
Sailors and guests watched as Capt. Randolph B. Johnson relieved Capt. Timothy R. Fox as commanding officer at the ceremony.
The change of command ceremony is a time-honored tradition that formally restates to the officer and enlisted Sailors of the command the continuity of the authority of command.
Rear Admiral Buzz Little, commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command, was the keynote speaker and spoke about the accomplishments of both captains and how critical leadership embodies what the Navy Reserve is all about; "Ready Now. Anytime. Anywhere."
"Change of command ceremonies often stir a mix of emotions; saying goodbye to shipmates you've worked with over the years and hello to new folks coming in," said Admiral Little.
"Tim Fox has done an outstanding job as the commanding officer of NAF Washington; leading the second largest Navy Operational Support Center in the country, supporting more than 5600 Sailors from 159 Reserve units," said Admiral Little.
"When I assumed command over two years ago, I quoted Winston Churchill," said Captain Fox. "Never give in. Never give in. Never, never, never, never - in nothing, great or small, large or petty - never give in, except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never yield to force. Never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy."
"Granted, we did not experience direct contact with the enemy here at NAF," said Captain
Fox. "However, we had up to 15 percent of our command deployed as individual augmentees or deployed overseas and have faced our share of challenges, and at times they seemed insurmountable; but the words of Winston Churchill rang true: You did not give in."
Fox was presented with the Meritorious Service Medal for his efforts over his tenure at NAF Washington which include his high effectiveness at mobilizing Sailors, managing a $38.6 million flight program, and providing support to more than 600 funerals in the national capital region.
During his time as commanding officer of NAF Washington, Fox's integral leadership helped the command receive the Chief of Naval Operations 2009 Personal Excellence Partnership Award, the Naval District Washington 2009 Community Service Award and assisted in the joint basing of Andrews Air Force Base with Naval Air Facility to form Joint Base Andrews NAF Washington.
"Tim, I thank you and your entire family for their support during the past two years as you served as commander, NAF Washington." said Admiral Little. "Well done!"
"In a few minutes, I will pass the baton to an extremely capable leader, Capt. Randy Johnson," said Captain Fox. "He has earned the right to be here because he has a proven and tested track record . All I ask is that you continue to excel in your support and dedication to the mission."
"I will leave you with these encouraging words from St. Paul: "Run the race as if to win the prize," said Fox. "This is not a sprint. You are in this for the long haul. Preserve to the finish line and never give in."
Captain Johnson is reporting to NAF Washington after serving as the chief of staff for the Commander, Naval Air Force Reserve, Norfolk, Va.
"All of us have role models and mentors who encouraged us to grow and believed in us, challenging us to reach new heights," said Captain Johnson. "Now is my time to provide that same encouragement and support to the Sailors of Navy District Washington."
"I challenge all Sailors in this command to rededicate yourself to serve our nation to the best of your ability," said Captain Johnson. "We all have a finite amount of time to serve in uniform; make sure you lead by example and make a positive impact with your service."