Capt. Nicholas Homan assumed command of the U.S. Nimitz Operational Intelligence Center in a change of command ceremony at the U.S. Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI), May 9.
Homan relieved Capt. Andrea Pollard, who will join the staff of the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (DCNO) for Information Dominance as foreign liaison officer.
Rear Adm. Elizabeth Train, ONI’s commander, presided over the ceremony. She cited the many accomplishments of the Nimitz Center under Capt. Pollard’s command and commended her for her leadership.
“You and your team have done your mission exceptionally well, and for this I am extremely grateful. Our Navy and our nation are well-served under your command,” she said.
The Nimitz Operational Intelligence Center is one of four centers of excellence that are distinct commands subordinate to ONI. Its mission is to create decisional advantage for naval and national leaders through in-depth knowledge of the global maritime environment. More than 500 military and civilian intelligence professionals support naval operations and maritime activities worldwide.
Vice Adm. Ted Branch, director of Naval Intelligence and deputy chief of Naval Operations for Information Dominance, was the ceremony’s principal speaker. He praised the professionalism of the men and women who serve at the Nimitz Center.
“Time and again you have helped Nimitz earn its reputation as the Navy’s center of excellence for operational and strategic analysis. Through your day to day actions, you provide that timely and relevant analysis to Navy and joint decision makers, the analysis they need to make the tough calls,” he said.
Pollard joined in the praise of the Nimitz staff as she was relieved of command by Homan.
“I am turning over to you the finest, most expert, mission-focused, loyal group of intelligence professionals in the business,” she said.
Homan served on the Joint Chief’s of Staff J5 as an Afghanistan/Pakistan Hand before assuming command of the Nimitz Center. He also served as commanding officer of the Navy Information Operations Command (NIOC) and as chief of the Signals Intelligence/Information Operations Division at the Joint Special Operations Command.
Homan urged the professionals of the Nimitz Center to maintain a healthy work-life balance and keep a sharp focus on their responsibilities to the Navy and nation.
“The nation remains at war and the road ahead will be filled with challenges but we will travel it together and I look forward to the journey,” Homan said.
[mappress] Press Release, May 13, 2014; Image: US Navy