NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support (NAVSUP WSS) held a time-honored traditional change of command ceremony in Philadelphia, July 31, also broadcasting it simultaneously to its other sites in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and Norfolk, Virginia.
Guests and dignitaries celebrated the three-year tenure of Rear Adm. John G. King and welcomed aboard the new commander, Rear Adm. David R. Pimpo.
“It is my distinct honor to salute two outstanding officers as we transfer the mantle of leadership for NAVSUP WSS,” said guest speaker Rear Adm. Jonathan Yuen, commander, Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) and chief of Supply Corps, in his keynote remarks. “It is no accident that Rear Adm. Pimpo and Rear Adm. King are swapping jobs… It is the deliberate placement of two very successful officers who have done great things for our Nation, our Navy, and the supply and logistics communities.”
Following Yuen, King, who had been on two tours at NAVSUP WSS before becoming commander in July 2011, expressed his gratitude to the NAVSUP WSS workforce.
“As of today, I’ve completed nine years and 58 days at this command, and I have cherished every single one,” King began. “This command has offered me an unbelievable opportunity to learn about our business and to work with many wonderful and very dedicated people.”
“NAVSUP WSS, this team of both Philadelphia and Mechanicsburg professionals, will forever be part of my personal makeup,” King continued. “Everything our fantastic team has accomplished has been directed at delivering support at the right time, at the right cost, to the right place across the globe.”
Finally, the new NAVSUP WSS commander took the opportunity to discuss his commitment to the NAVSUP WSS mission and its employees.
“I look forward to continuing the great logistics support that John King, Karen Meloy, and the rest of the professionals at NAVSUP WSS provide the Fleet each and every day,” said Pimpo, former Commander of DLA Land and Maritime in Colombus, Ohio. “We will continue providing superior support to the Sailors and Marines who are counting on us to deliver the parts they need on time, every time. I will listen and learn from you, and together we will work to create an environment that promotes individual accountability, embraces creativity, and rewards achievement in and out of the office.”
[mappress] Press Release, August 1, 2014; Image: US Navy