CENSECFOR Welcomes New Commanding Officer

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- Center for Security Forces held a change of command ceremony Mar 28 at Drexler Manor on board Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek/Fort Story in Virginia Beach.

Captain James R. Boorujy turned over command to Captain Raymond J. Benedict.

The Learning Center provides specialized training to more than 29k students each year and has 14 training locations across the U.S. and around the world.

"I know it broke [Boorujy's] heart to leave staff work, but nonetheless we grabbed him to serve here as the commanding officer for CENSECFOR," said guest speaker Rear Adm. Donald P. Quinn, Commander, Naval Education and Training Command. "He has been a masterful chief executive, orchestrating the high risk training efforts of five detachments, seven learning sites and 750 people, while meticulously managing a budget of $71M each year."

Boorujy said it was a great honor to work with the men and women of CENSECFOR.

"We have what must be the most talented group of staff and instructors ever assembled," said Boorujy. "All of the Navy's security teams, boarding teams and riverine personnel go through our schools. We also teach survival, evasion, resistance, and escape procedures to aircrews and other high risk of capture personnel. All this training is very dangerous and conducted very professionally due to the expertise and dedication of my people."

Boorujy is also retiring from the Navy with 30 years of loyal and faithful service to his country and shipmates.

"As is usually the case in our Navy, as one superstar departs another steps into his place," said Quinn. "Captain Ray Benedict certainly fits the bill.

"Captain, as you take the helm I recommend you consider these words from General John Lejeune, 'These young Americans respond quickly and readily to the exhibition of qualities of leadership on the part of their officers. Some of these qualities are industry, energy, initiative, determination, enthusiasm, firmness, kindness, justness, self-control, unselfishness, honor, and courage.' I know you possess all of these qualities in quantity. Bring them to bear here in molding our future. We welcome you to the Navy training team."

For more news from Center for Security Forces, visit www.navy.mil/local/csf/.