Joint Base Charleston, S.C. –
More than 100 Service members, civilians, dependents and community leaders attended a change of command ceremony for the Naval Nuclear Power Training Unit Charleston, July 15, 2016, at Joint Base Charleston - Weapons Station, S.C.
During the ceremony, which was officiated by Admiral James Caldwell, Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program director, U.S. Navy Capt. David A. Lott relieved Capt. Robert E. Hudson as the commander of NPTU Charleston. NPTU is a technical school designed to train enlisted sailors, officers and civilians for nuclear power plant operation and maintenance on surface ships and submarines.
Lott is coming from the Office of Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear, Chemical and Biological Defense Programs in Washington D.C, where he served as Office for Countering Nuclear Threats director.
"It is my honor to assume command today of this team of professionals, both military and civilian," said Lott. "I have not seen a more dedicated and high performing team in my 25 year career. I am humbled to join this team in achieving the highest standards of safe and secure reactor operations."
Hudson replaced Capt. Timothy Sparks as the Joint Base Charleston deputy commander and Naval Support Activity Charleston commander.
"As commanding officer of NPTU Charleston I wanted to cultivate a culture where every member of the team truly felt they were part of the solution - empowered to lead, empowered to make a difference," said Hudson. "In my eyes, NPTU Charleston you have done just that. You have made a difference!"
Lott addressed his new team at NPTU with a readiness to excel.
"I look forward to working with you in exceeding the standards and expectations we have of ourselves, and also to meet the demands our nation expects of our naval profession and our nuclear powered warships every day around the world," said Lott.