U.S. NSA Souda Bay Changes Command

U.S. Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay held a change of command ceremony onboard the installation, April 11.

Capt. Michael R. Moore relieved Capt. James F. Gibson Jr. as commanding officer.

Rear Adm. John C. “Jack” Scorby, commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia, was the guest speaker at the event.

“It’s a great honor for me to be here to recognize the outstanding achievements of Captain James ‘Hoot’ Gibson and his team, and to look ahead with Captain Michael ‘Droopy’ Moore to what no doubt promises to be a challenging and exciting future here at Naval Support Activity Souda Bay.”

Scorby presented the Legion of Merit medal to Gibson for a job well done, since he took command in May 2012.

“I believe that our cooperation has enhanced our ability to support U.S., Greek, and NATO forces and in turn supports stability in this area.” Gibson said. “I am proud of the Sailors here. I look forward to watching your continued success.”

Gibson will be reporting to Student Attache Training, Washington, D.C.

Moore, a Hot Springs, Ark. native, has more than 4,000 fixed and rotary wing flight hours and has previously served as the commanding officer of Helicopter Squadron 3, based out of Jacksonville, Fla.

“As per the CNO’s Sailing Directions, our Navy key tenants are: Warfighting First, Operate Forward, and Be Ready. The Sailors, and civilian men and women of Souda Bay are integral to this.” Moore said. “I have been singularly impressed by the professionalism and pride of every member of Team Souda and again I look forward to leading this consummate team of professionals.”

With more than 800 military, DoD civilian/contractor, and local national personnel assigned to the base, Souda Bay plays a vital role in supporting both U.S. and NATO forward operations throughout EUCOM, CENTCOM, and AFRICOM theaters of operation.

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Press Release, April 15, 2014; Image: US Navy