NAVIOCOM Georgia Change of Command

In a change of command ceremony held July 23 in Alexander Hall, Navy Captain Michael R. Fisher relinquished command of Navy Information Operations Command (NAVIOCOM) Georgia to Captain John C. Post. VADM Barry McCullough, Commander TENTH Fleet/Fleet Cyber Command was the presiding officer.

Captain Post, a native of Dallas, Texas, and University of Texas alumnus, became the 8th commanding officer of NAVIOCOM Georgia. He assumes command of NAVIOCOM Georgia whose mission is to provide Information Warfare and Cryptologic expertise and personnel to Fleet Air, Surface, Submarine and National Security Agency/Central Security Service Georgia. It also provides reachback staff support to Chief, Joint Force Maritime Component Commander of Central and Europe operations.

Captain Michael R. Fisher retired after a 26 year USAF/Navy career.

NAVIOCOM Hawaii Change of Command

(Left to right) Capt. James Hagy, outgoing commanding officer; Vice Adm. Barry McCullough, commander of U.S. Fleet Cyber Command; and Capt. Jeffrey Cole, incoming commanding officer, at change of command at Navy Information Operations Command, Hawaii. U.S. Navy photo by Marion Bedingfield

By: Lt. j.g. Melissa Ocasio

Captain Jeffrey Cole relieved Captain James Hagy as commanding officer of Navy Information Operations Command, Hawaii during a change of command ceremony at Kunia, Hawaii on July 9, 2010.

From July 2008 to July 2010, Hagy’s leadership and management at NIOC Hawaii were crucial in the delivery of cryptologic support to various government organizations and Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet. Vice Adm. Barry McCullough, U.S. Fleet Cyber Command/U.S. 10th Fleet, was guest speaker for the ceremony. “It is truly a pleasure to be here as we celebrate the success of NIOC Hawaii under Captain Hagy and usher in a new era of growth for NIOC Hawaii under Captain Cole,” McCullough said.

As the second commanding officer of NIOC Hawaii, Hagy was instrumental in influencing and shaping the future of the Information Dominance Corp (IDC) and FLTCYBERCOM/C10F. McCullough spoke about the vision, purpose and significance of the IDC, explaining that the exponential growth in computing and communications has transformed the information environment from an enabling medium to a core element of war-fighting capability. “This is truly an information age and information is warfare,” McCullough remarked.

During the change of command ceremony, McCullough presented Hagy with the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service as commanding officer, NIOC Hawaii, from July 2008 to July 2010. Hagy will report to Commander, Pacific Fleet, as department director for intelligence and information operations.

Cole came from Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command where he was the assistant deputy chief of staff for intelligence and information operations.  He will lead NIOC’s 1,500 plus Sailors and civilians who primarily operate in building nine on Schofield Barracks, building 324 at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, and at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay.

Commander, TENTH Fleet - the man

Some of the reasons why VADM McCullough was chosen by the Chief of Naval Operations to command TENTH Fleet and Fleet Cyber Command:

• He is an intense, nuclear-trained engineer.
• He understands the technological intricacies of cyberspace far better than his contemporaries.
• He advised the CNO on countering the emerging ballistic-missile threat to surface ships.
• He absolutely understands the intersection of strategy and technology.
• He brings profound technical depth to bear on a number of crucial military questions (cyber included).

From: Loren B. Thompson's (PhD) article over at Lexington Institute