By MCC Lowell Whitman, 30th Naval Construction Regiment Public Affairs
As Command Master Chief Anthony Teart looks on, Capt. James Meyer (right) passes the regimental flag to Capt. Jeffrey Kilian during the 30th Naval Construction Regiment (NCR) change of command ceremony at the parade field in Naval Base Ventura County, June 30. The passing of colors from an outgoing commanding officer to an incoming one ensures the unit and its Sailors are never without leadership.Kilian relieved Meyer duringthe ceremony. (Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Michael Gomez/160630-N-YG415-046)
The 30
th Naval Construction Regiment (NCR) held a change of command ceremony at Naval Base Ventura County, Port Hueneme, June 30.
During the ceremony, Capt. Jeffrey Kilian relieved Capt. James Meyer, who has held the position since July 2014.
In his speech, the guest speaker for the ceremony, Capt. Erich Diehl, commander, Navy Expeditionary Forces Command Pacific, thanked Meyer for his service and welcomed the regiments newest commodore.
Under your leadership, the combined efforts of 30 NCR and our deployed Seabees have enhanced partner capability, increased our combat effectiveness, contingency response, and contributed greatly to regional stability, said Diehl. You and your team of professionals have displayed the highest level of excellence in expeditionary construction, humanitarian civil assistance, and expeditionary command and control. Well done.
(Right) Capt. James Meyer, commodore of 30th Naval Construction Regiment (NCR), receives the Legion of Merit award from Capt. Erich Diehl, Navy Expeditionary Forces Command Pacific, during a change of command ceremony at the parade field in Naval Base Ventura County, June 30. The Legion of Merit is one of the military's most prestigious awards, and is one of only two decorations (with the Medal of Honor) to be issued as neck wear. (Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Michael Gomez/160630-N-YG415-023)
Meyer was presented with a Legion of Merit earned for his exceptional meritorious conduct and the performance of outstanding services and achievements during his tenure.
The words in the award represent and recognize all the hard work of the 30th NCR staff and most specifically, our units executing the work, said Meyer. This is a team effort, and truly, it is a great team across the board. When I look at the 30
th Naval Construction Regiment and our Seabee units, I am extremely impressed, awed, and inspired by the quality of the individuals and the strength of our teams.
Following the award presentation, both Meyer and Kilian read their orders and passed the regimental flag in a tradition signifying the transfer of command from one to another.
Its an honor to be standing here today, said Kilian. The privilege of command is granted to very few, and I am humbled to be given the opportunity to lead this fine organization. I am proud to be a part of this team.
Kilian arrives to the regiment from the office of the Chief of Naval Operations, where he served as the facilities investment branch head. A San Diego State University, University of Texas, and Duke University graduate, Kilian is a Seabee Combat Warfare Officer, professional engineer in the state of California, and a former enlisted Marine.
His personal awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze star, two Defense Meritorious Service Medals, three Meritorious Service Medals, and various other individual and unit awards.
The 30 NCR provides operational control over naval engineering forces throughout the Pacific, Southwest Asia and the western U.S. in response to combatant commander and naval component commander requirements. They serve an integral part of the Naval Construction Force and accomplish major combat operations, theater security cooperation, humanitarian assistance, disaster recovery and Phase Zero requirements across the Pacific area of responsibility.
Capt. Jeffrey Kilian salutes the side boys after the change of command as the commodore of 30th Naval Construction Regiment (NCR) at the parade field on Naval Base Ventura County, June 30. (Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Michael Gomez/160630-N-YG415-066)