Joint Base Charleston, S.C. –
Naval Support Activity (NSA) Charleston held a change of command ceremony at The Redbank Club, June 11, 2021.
Capt. Andrew G. Peterson III, former Commanding Officer of the Naval Power Training Unit Charleston, relieved Capt. Kevin M. Byrne as Commanding Officer, NSA Charleston and Deputy Commander, Joint Base Charleston.
Rear Adm. John Spencer, Commander, Submarine Group 10, served as guest speaker of the ceremony. During his remarks, he praised Byrne’s leadership, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Like the rest of the world, Kevin and his team here at NSA Charleston had to figure out the best way to continue operating during COVID-19,” said Spencer. “And I think it’s fair to say that none of us had been trained on personnel and base management during a pandemic. Despite this, Kevin’s team worked with the Air Force side of the house to put the required measures in place to maintain operational readiness for the personnel on base while protecting them from the virus. Quite the culmination of thirty years of distinguished service to our national defense.”
Byrne served as both Commanding Officer for NSA as well as Deputy Commander of Joint Base Charleston from July 2018 to June 2021. He received the Legion of Merit for his time at NSA and Joint Base Charleston.
During his speech, Byrne spoke about the best qualities Joint Base Charleston and the Charleston area had to offer and addressed the staff of NSA Charleston.
“I really think the best thing about Joint Base Charleston is that, regardless of service, we all work together to get the job done,” said Byrne. “I know that you will continue to do a great job under Captain Peterson’s leadership. Just keep doing things the way you are. Even though I don’t see you every day, I can’t go anywhere without hearing the accolades for all the things the Sailors are doing around the base in conjunction with the Airman they work with. Thank you for that.”
Peterson is taking command after being relieved as the Commanding Officer of the Naval Power Training Unit Charleston.
“I am honored and humbled to be here today,” said Peterson. “In the past few days, I have been impressed with NSA Charleston’s mission, professionalism and character. I look forward to immersing myself in each of your departments over the next few weeks so I can witness first-hand your hard work in support of Joint Base and its mission partners.”
A Change of Command ceremony is a time-honored tradition formally communicating the continuity of command authority to the members of the command.