By Lisa Woodbury Rama, NAVSTA Newport Public Affairs
Capt. Gary Rouse, commander, 7NCR, addresses the final formation in front of the regiment's headquarters at Naval Station (NAVSTA) Newport, Aug. 1, during a ceremony marking the unit's relocation to Gulfport, Miss., following 45 years in Rhode Island. (Standing at right) Capt. Douglas Mikatarian, commanding officer, NAVSTA Newport; Rouse; CMC Shannon Howe, NAVSTA Newport; and BUCS Sonny Dunigan, supervisor, Reserve Support Site, 7NCR. Photo provided by Lisa Woodbury Rama, Naval Station Newport Public Affairs Officer, Naval Station Newport
A final formation of Naval Station Newport, R.I.-based 7
th Naval Construction Regiment (7NCR) Seabees took place Aug. 1, in front of regimental headquarters as the unit officially closed down operations following an active presence in the Ocean State since 1969.
"I appreciate everyone coming this morning as we reflect on our time here in Newport before we transition to Gulfport," said Capt. Gary Rouse, commander, 7NCR.
"The unit has physically been here on Naval Station since 1994, and I recall 20 years ago as a lieutenant being a training officer in the building the Marines occupy now, Rouse said. Newport has been a tremendous host command for us.
"It is with mixed emotions that we leave here but we are looking forward to the efficiencies that will be gained with our relocation to Gulfport, he added.
7NCR is relocating to Gulfport, Miss., effective Aug. 1. The move was made as part of a plan to reduce the overall number of Reserve Component Naval Mobile Constructions Battalions (RC NMCBs) from 12 to six, and relocate those remaining to one of the two Naval Construction Force concentration areas in Gulfport and Port Hueneme, Calif.
In addition to the regiment, local units NMCBs 14 and 27 have also relocated to Mississippi.
Capt. Douglas Mikatarian, Naval Station Newport commanding officer, also addressed those assembled.
"One of the great things about the base is the variety of commands we have here. We have been happy to have 7
th NCR here and wish you all the best as you move onto Gulfport," Mikatarian said.
Naval Station Newport is the Navy's Center of Learning Excellence and home to more than 50 Navy, Marine Corps, Army Reserve and Coast Guard commands, including the U.S. Naval War College, Surface Warfare Officers School Command, Officer Training Command Newport and the Senior Enlisted Academy.
7th NCR Seabees pose in front of the regiment's (former) headquarters at NAVSTA Newport, Aug. 1.