From Naval Facilities Engineering Command HQ Public Affairs
Rear Adm. Kate L. Gregory (right) relieved Rear Adm. Christopher J. Mossey, and became the 43rd commander of NAVFAC and Navy Chief of Civil Engineers aboard the Washington Navy Yard, Oct. 26. Before the ceremony, Gregory was promoted to Rear Admiral (Upper Half) by Chief of Naval Operations Jonathan W. Greenert. Photo by MC1 Chris Thien
The leadership of Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) was transferred during a change of command and retirement ceremony aboard the Washington Navy Yard, Oct. 26.
Rear Adm. Kate L. Gregory relieved Rear Adm. Christopher J. Mossey, and became the 43rd commander of NAVFAC and Navy Chief of Civil Engineers. Before the ceremony, Gregory was promoted to rear admiral (upper half) by Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert. NAVFAC is the Navy Systems Command that builds and maintains sustainable facilities, delivers utilities and services, enables energy security and environmental stewardship, and provides humanitarian assistance, contingency engineering response, and expeditionary combat force capabilities. Established in 1842 as the Bureau of Yards and Docks, NAVFAC enables Navy and Marine Corps readiness through 15 commands in the United States, Europe, Southwest Asia and the Far East.
In his remarks Greenert thanked Mossey for his service to the Navy and the nation. Greenert presented Mossey with the Distinguished Service Medal for exceptional meritorious service to the United States while serving as NAVFAC commander. The citation reads in part: "During his time as commander, Mossey flawlessly led a worldwide NAVFAC team in delivering more than $25 billion of facilities planning, design and construction, environment and energy management, and expeditionary support for supported commanders across the globe."
Mossey retires after serving 31 years in the Navy. In 1981 he was commissioned an ensign through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Cornell University after earning a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering. He received a Master of Science degree in Construction Management from Stanford University in June 1981, and completed the Executive Training Program at Dartmouth's Tuck School of Business in August 2003.
Mossey assumed command of NAVFAC in May 2010. Other assignments included: commander of both NAVFAC Pacific and NAVFAC Atlantic; vice commander of Navy Installations Command; director of the Shore Readiness Division (N46) on the CNO staff; and chief of staff at NAVFAC Headquarters. Mossey is a registered professional engineer, a member of the Defense Acquisition Corps and is designated as a Seabee combat warfare officer.
In his remarks, Mossey reflected on his extensive career as a Civil Engineer Corps officer and as a Seabee.
"I'd like to start by thanking by NAVFAC shipmates...Professionals who toil out of the limelight - but no ship sails, no Sailor is trained and no family is taken care of without your contributions.
"When I'm asked someday what I did in the Navy, my answer will be simple. I was a Navy Seabee. Every single day, our Seabees make important contributions to the Navy in support of the CNO's three tenants: warfighting first, operate forward, and be ready. Over 1,800 Seabees, active and reserve, are forward deployed at this moment, operating in 26 countries. No matter the task, from building a forward outpost for the Marines in Afghanistan to shifting through debris in Haiti for survivors, Seabees work with just an incredible sense of esprit de corps and pride. What an incredible privilege to have been part of this community."
Gregory comes to NAVFAC Headquarters from NAVFAC Pacific, where she has served as commander and Pacific Fleet civil engineer from July 2010. She is a 1982 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, and holds graduate degrees from the University of Southern California and George Washington University. She also completed the Senior Executive Program at the London School of Business.
Gregory's other assignments included: commanding officer of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133; commander of the 30th Naval Construction Regiment; and chief of staff for the First Naval Construction Division. Her facilities and project management assignments include: Yokosuka, Japan; Naples, Italy; Adak, Alaska; and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
Gregory emphasized responsibility and making a difference during her remarks.
"To the NAVFAC, CEC, and Naval Construction Force communities: I am honored to serve with you, and to have this opportunity to lead - especially at this time. Yes, there are challenges ahead, but how lucky we are to be here now and to serve.
"Few people have the chance to make a difference in the lives of people: the warfighters and their families we support; the workforce and Seabees whom we lead; the Navy and DoD community with whom we engage; and the nation, to whom we're accountable. The shore infrastructure supports the readiness of our fleet and warfighters, and touches the lives of hundreds of thousands of people every day. We are part of a great legacy and charged with great responsibilities. I am excited to be part of this effort. Let's get started!"