Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet held a change of command ceremony at Naval Support Activity Naples Capodichino in Naples, Italy, Oct. 11, in front of distinguished guests, friends, family and shipmates.
During the ceremony, Vice Adm. Phil Davidson relieved Vice Adm. Frank C. Pandolfe as commander, U.S. 6th Fleet.
Adm. Bruce W. Clingan, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa; commander, Allied Joint Force Command Naples, commented on Pandolfe’s accomplishments.
“I am certain when Adm. Pandolfe took the helm two years ago, he did not imagine his area of responsibility would emerge as the most challenging and complex environment the U.S. Navy operates in today,” said Clingan.
Clingan also praised Pandolfe’s leadership during his tenure at 6th Fleet, calling him “A leader who has harnessed the immense intellectual capital resident in our staff of military and civilian professionals to shape the operational environment… a commander who has been the driving force behind the 6th Fleet’s success in effectively responding to numerous crises over an expansive area of responsibility.”
Pandolfe began his remarks by expressing his gratitude for the men and women serving under him and with him throughout 6th Fleet.
“For the past two years, this staff, our task forces, and our ships, aircraft, and Sailors in the fleet have worked together to enhance security throughout this theater. From ballistic missile defense to preparing for crisis response and conducting maritime security operations, you delivered success to this region, to our nation, and to the NATO alliance. I am very proud of what you have done!”
Pandolfe then stressed the need for, and the importance of, always being ready.
“As I look back over the past two years – which have gone by in the blink of an eye – I’m amazed at all the change that has taken place. The region in which we operate is indeed highly dynamic and unpredictable. It requires ready forces that are thoroughly trained, properly positioned; well focused and practiced in working alongside our allies to enhance security and stability.”
For his leadership as commander, U.S. 6th Fleet and his dedication to executing the mission, Pandolfe was presented the Distinguished Service Medal by Clingan. After the award presentation and the reading of their orders, Pandolfe relinquished command of 6th Fleet to Davidson, who then offered his perspective to his new staff.
“All of us in the U.S. Navy continue to be guided by our CNO’s three tenets: warfighting first… operate forward… be ready,” said Davidson. “At U.S. 6th Fleet, we can and will continue to embody these tenets in our current operations, in our readiness to respond to crises, and in the many partnerships we have here in Europe and Africa.”
Pandolfe will serve in the Pentagon as director, Strategic Plans and Policy, J-5, Joint Staff; and senior member, United States Delegation to the United Nations Military Staff Committee.
Davidson previously served as director of Maritime Operations for U.S. Fleet Forces Command in Norfolk, Va. [mappress] Press Release, October 11, 2013