Commander, Naval Mine and Anti-Submarine Warfare Command (NMAWC) held a change of command ceremony at Naval Base Point Loma Feb. 23.
During the ceremony, Rear Adm. Russell E. Allen assumed command from Rear Adm. William Merz.
Merz assumed command of NMAWC in October 2013 as a career submariner and was responsible for the Undersea Domain missions of Mine Warfare and Anti-Submarine Warfare. While in command of NMAWC, his mission included ensuring entire strike groups were prepared to deploy whenever needed, and to collaborate with mine warfare commands to determine fleet training requirements in support of the Surface and Expeditionary Warfare Training Committee.
His previous command assignments included the deep submergence vessel Submarine NR-1 and USS Memphis (SSN 691), both in Connecticut. His major command assignment was Submarine Development Squadron 12, also in Connecticut, which included seven frontline attack submarines and a specialized team responsible for tactical and navigation guidance for the submarine force.
NMAWC’s focus is providing mine warfare commander battle staff to support operational maritime component commanders in executing operational control of air, surface, and underwater mine countermeasure forces.
U.S. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces in the Eastern Pacific from the West Coast of North America to the international date line and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary for an effective global Navy.
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Image: US Navy