By MC1 David Kolmel, Expeditionary Combat Camera
Lt. Cmdr. Elizabeth A. Durika, commanding officer, CBMU 202, passes through the sideboys during a change of command ceremony, Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Va., July 1. (Photo by MC1 David Kolmel/ 150701-N-IT566-165)
Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit (CBMU) 202 held a change of command ceremony at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Va., July 1. Lt. Cmdr. Samuel W. Werschky was relieved by Lt. Cmdr. Elizabeth A. Durika.
"From day one, Sam was not satisfied with status quo. He set high standards and led progress with a desire to have a positive impact," said Capt. John J. Adametz, commander, Naval Construction Group (NCG) 2.
Werschky's accomplishments while at CBMU 202 included operations in Central and South America, 22 projects valued at $3.4 million, humanitarian construction assistance in 14 countries and oversight of CBMU 202 restructuring from four detachments to two.
Lt. Cmdr. Samuel W. Werschky, commanding officer, CBMU 202, addresses the crowd during a change of command ceremony, Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Va., July 1. Werschky was relieved by Lt. Cmdr. Elizabeth A. Durika. (Photo by MC1 David Kolmel/150701-N-IT566-040)
"Such success doesn't surprise me. Sam's entire career starting from his enlistment as an aerographer's mate, his time in the national guard and his commissioning as a civil engineer officer have been proven with this Can Do spirit," said Adametz.
Werschky reflected on what he'll miss most about his time at CBMU 202.
"It's been a great tour, phenomenal group of folks and I'm going to miss them," said Werschky. "The people who made up the command were absolutely wonderful and hard working. I'm going to miss having that drive each and every day."
Following his success, Durika is prepared to continue the work Werschky started.
"I'm excited to get back with the Seabee community. My biggest goal is to continue the excellence Lt. Cmdr. Werschky set into place, and support the mission the CBMU does," said Durika.
Lt. Cmdr. Samuel W. Werschky, commanding officer, CBMU 202, passes through the sideboys during a change of command ceremony, Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Va., July 1. Werschky, the CO of CMBU 202 since June 2013, was later relieved by Lt. Cmdr. Elizabeth A. Durika. (Photo by MC1 David Kolmel/150701-N-IT566-075)
Despite the hardship of leaving CBMU 202 behind, Werschky feels at ease leaving his troops in the hands of Durika and thinks she's right for the job.
"They couldn't have picked a better officer. I think there is going to be a pretty seamless transition on leadership style and discipline because personality-wise she's very similar to me," said Werschky.
During the ceremony Werschky was awarded the Navy Meritorious Service Medal for his leadership as commanding officer of CBMU 202.
Durika's husband, Lt. Cmdr. Nathan Durika, had the honor of pinning on her command insignia during the ceremony.
Lt. Cmdr. Nathan Durika pins command insignia on Lt. Cmdr. Elizabeth A. Durika, commanding officer, CBMU 202, during a change of command ceremony, Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Va., July 1. Photo by MC1 David Kolmel/150701-N-IT566-148)
Lt. Cmdr. Elizabeth A. Durika, commanding officer, CBMU 202, and Lt. Cmdr. Samuel W. Werschky cut the ceremonial cake after a change of command ceremony, Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Va., July 1. Durika became the 12th commanding officer of CBMU 202 after relieving Werschky. (Photo by MC1 David Kolmel/150701-N-IT566-176)