Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group (NAVELSG) held a change of command ceremony at Naval Weapons Station Yorktown-Cheatham Annex, Sept. 27.
Rear Adm. Valerie K. Huegel relieved Rear Adm. Mark J. Belton as commander.
Rear Adm. William A. Brown, Director, Strategy, Policy, Programs and Logistics, U.S. Transportation Command, gave the ceremony’s keynote address.
“It is the expeditionary nature of this command that is so critical to our nation,” said Brown. “Everywhere they have served, they have ensured our nation’s fighting forces the best logistics support possible.”
Brown presented Belton with the Legion of Merit as an end-of-tour award. Belton attributed the award to the hard work and support of the NAVELSG Sailors and leaders.
“I am proudest of being part of outstanding teams that have been recognized for special achievements,” said Belton. “it is not about us as individuals, rather, it is about us as a team.”
The ceremony marked the end of Belton’s second tour with NAVELSG. Belton recalled the challenges faced, lessons learned, and achievements made by the men and women who make up the NAVELSG force, before reading the orders relieving him of command.
“It’s been a honor and privilege to have led you,” said Belton. “It is the hard work, determination and professionalism of our Sailors and Civilian employees that allow us to accomplish all that we have.”
Upon assuming command, Huegel recognized Belton’s hard work and leadership in leading the force through the operational downsizing in both Iraq and Afghanistan while also maintaining the groups readiness at significantly high levels.
“We will continue to demonstrate that there are no theater logistics challenges we cannot face and overcome,” said Huegel. “There is virtually no volume of cargo or timetable that we cannot meet.”
“To the great professionals of Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group,” said Huegel. “I look forward to working with you and maintaining the great legacy that has defined you as the most indispensable logisticians in the fleet.”
Prior to arriving at NAVELSG, Huegel served as the deputy commander for Naval Supply Systems Command Global Logistics Support. Her operational background includes Naval Station Adak, Alaska; Naval Air Station, Jacksonville, Fla. She commanded Naval Reserve Fleet and Industrial Supply Center, Norfolk, Va.; Navy Cargo Handling Battalion 13, Gulfport, Miss.; and Navy Supply Center, Pensacola, Fla.
Huegel mobilized in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, where she served as the director of logistics (CJ4) for the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, Djibouti, Africa.
NAVELSG is homeported in Williamsburg, Va., with an active battalion located at Cheatham Annex; with forward-deployed detachments and reserve battalions located across the United States. NAVELSG provides Sailors with the knowledge and skills needed to support the Fleet’s surface and air-handling mission. More than 100 Sailors and civilians work hand in hand with the Fleet and are dedicated to ensuring training is current and well executed on behalf of 3,500 active duty and reserve Sailors in the administration, logistics and training of their active and reserve components.
[mappress] Press Release, September 30, 2013