NSWC Port Hueneme Holds a Change of Command

PORT HUENEME, Calif. (NNS) -- Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Port Hueneme held a change of command ceremony in Port Hueneme, Calif., March 28.

Capt. Burt Espe relieved Capt. William DeBow as commander of NSWC.

Espe served most recently as the Modernization Principal Integration Platform Manager in the Ship Integration Program Office for the Program Executive Officer, Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence in San Diego.

A resident of Bonita, Calif., Espe graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1987 with a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering and joined the active fleet in the surface warfare community. After serving several sea tours, he attended Naval Post Graduate School in 1995 where he earned a master's degree in electrical engineering. His personal decorations include four Meritorious Service Medals, four Navy Commendation Medals and the Navy Achievement Medal as well as various unit and service awards.

Espe praised the workforce and expressed his excitement at taking charge of a great command.

"I'm stepping into a command that truly has proven its value to the fleet over many years," said Espe. "I'm looking forward to serving with each and every one of you here at the warfare center, so we can continue to provide the very best to our Sailors - the warfighters who are out there vigilantly protecting our freedom and security."

Guest speaker Rear Adm. (sel.) Lawrence Creevy, commander, NSWC highlighted DeBow's legacy and personally thanked him.

"The NSWC Port Hueneme team, NAVSEA, the Navy and our nation thank you for your hard work and tireless dedication," said Creevy. "More importantly, your genuine compassion for the men and women under your command reflect true leadership."

DeBow thanked the NSWC Port Hueneme workforce for their solid contributions to the fleet throughout his tour of duty.

"All of you play a part in making Port Hueneme number one in fleet support," said DeBow. "Your dedication to providing optimal support maintenance to our sailors is what keeps this command at the forefront of excellence, ensuring continued success and the success of our Navy for years to come."

Under DeBow's leadership, NSWC Port Hueneme accomplished several monumental achievements, some of which include testing of the Maritime Laser Demonstrator aboard the command's Self Defense Test Ship (SDTS) validating the potential to use high-energy lasers as an integrated weapon system.

The SDTS also played a major role in the largest shipboard alternative fuel demonstration paving the way towards creating a greener and more sustainable fleet. Port Hueneme also received recognition by the David Packard Excellence in Acquisition Award for being the Department of Defense's most cost-efficient ballistic targets program for the Aegis Readiness Assessment Vehicle.

DeBow, the son of a Tuskegee airmen, assumed command of NSWC Port Hueneme in December 2010, and recently received orders to serve as deputy program manager for Expeditionary Missions (PMS 408) in Washington, D.C.

NSWC Port Hueneme is a field activity of Naval Sea Systems Command and provides the U.S. Navy with weapon system in-service engineering, logistics and test and evaluation. NSWC Port Hueneme is located at Naval Base Ventura County, Calif. where it employs more than 1,900 personnel.

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