JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
U.S. Navy Capt. Kevin Byrne, former commander of Naval Nuclear Power Training Command, took the reins as deputy commander of Joint Base Charleston and commanding officer of Naval Support Activity Charleston during a change of command ceremony at the Red Bank Club here, June 25, 2018.
The change of command is a time-honored tradition, which formally restates the continuity of command to the officers and crew. The occasion ensures all hands know of the shift in authority and that a duly authorized officer is being placed in charge.
As the deputy commander of JB Charleston and commanding officer of NSA Charleston, Byrne will direct installation support to a total force of more than 90,000 Airmen, Sailors, Soldiers, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, civilians, dependents and retirees across the Lowcountry.
“I was a supported commander on board Joint Base Charleston,” said Byrne. “Over the past three years, all of the leaders and commanders here did a great job in supporting our mission. Moving from the CO of a supported command to base leadership, I am looking forward to continuing that support role to ensure the people here are able to continue to do their job to the best of their ability.”
U.S. Navy Capt. Robert Hudson, outgoing deputy commander of JB Charleston and commanding officer of NSA Charleston was in command from July 2016 to June 2018. He oversaw five military branches and over 60 mission partner organizations. He also mentored a cadre of over 2,700 active duty and civilian professionals.
Before passing command over to Byrne, Hudson addressed the installation as a whole and gave his departing remarks as deputy commander before heading off to his new life as a Navy retiree.
“Men and women of JB Charleston and NSA Charleston, it has been an honor and a privilege to serve with you over the past 24 months,” said Hudson. “You have made this journey remarkable for Susan and me and for that we truly thank you.”
The ceremony concluded with Byrne addressing his new team for the first time. During his speech, he shared his vision for the future of the installation and the joint team.
“I look forward to continuing my time here at JB Charleston,” said Byrne. “It has provided me with an inside look on how things work and I am excited to carry on [Hudson's] traditions and legacies here.”