Naval Network Warfare Command (NETWARCOM) held a change of command ceremony at the Navy Global Network Operations and Security Center, Sept. 17.
Capt. Eugene D. Costello relieved Capt. John W. Chandler as commanding officer.
Chandler, who assumed command of NETWARCOM and Task Force 1010 in 2011, led the command through transition from a flag command to an agile and tactical Task Force; the preparation for the transition to the Next Generation Enterprise Network; and the challenging planning and logistics of moving command operations and 350 personnel to Suffolk, Va., happening later this year.
“I am especially grateful to the men and women, sailors and civilians of NETWARCOM. You are the reason for every success we had and I thank you for your dedication and support,” said Chandler.
Chandler will retire from active duty in October after 26 years of distinguished naval service.
Vice Adm. Michael S. Rogers, commander, U.S. Fleet Cyber Command, Commander U.S. 10th Fleet, was the guest speaker and presented Chandler with the Legion of Merit for his exceptionally meritorious service from October 2011 to September 2013.
Rogers praised Chandler’s leadership of the Sailors and civilians of the NETWARCOM team and welcomed Costello.
Costello is a 1987 graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. He was served as a Surface Warfare officer prior to transitioning to the Information Warfare community. He holds master’s degrees in Information Technology Management and Strategic Studies.
Costello’s previous assignments include Carrier Strike Group 2 assistant chief of staff for Communications and served as the Information Warfare commander for George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group.
The Naval Network Warfare Command is charged with executing tactical level command and control of Navy networks and leveraging space capabilities for Navy and joint operations.
[mappress] Press Release, September 18, 2013