Center for Service Support Holds Change of Command

NEWPORT, R.I. (NNS) -- The Center for Service Support (CSS) held a change of command ceremony, May 10, in Newport, R.I.

Capt. Mark Murphy relieved Capt. Dana Weiner as commanding officer during a ceremony at the Officer's Club aboard Naval Station Newport.

The ceremony culminated 30 years of service for Weiner, who served the Navy in both the Surface Warfare and Supply communities. He explained that although CSS is headquartered in New England, the majority of those who fall under the auspices of the learning center are located throughout the country from San Diego to Mississippi to Virginia.

"The men and women of CSS prepare our Sailors and Marines as they head out to support operational forces. Our staff of active duty, retired military and civilians ensure our troops know what they are doing and are ready to support the operational warfighter," said Weiner. "It's the folks at CSS, in our headquarters and at our learning sites who do that."

Naval Education and Training Command Chief Operating Officer Rear Admiral (Select) Cynthia Thebaud officiated the change of command. She commended Weiner on his leadership during his tour at CSS.

"Dana has performed his duties throughout a myriad challenges very well," Thebaud said. "So well in fact, he led CSS in earning recognition as the top learning center of all 13 centers in Naval Education and Training command. Thank you for all you have done."

Upon taking command, Murphy also celebrated support received from his family and friends then pledged his commitment to CSS, the staff and faculty, and to the thousands of students who receive CSS training.

"My philosophy is built from leaders who have taught me: work hard, work smart and have fun," said Murphy. "Work hard: be brilliant on the basics and take care of our people. Work, study and learn at the job you've been given. Be ready when opportunity knocks. Work smart: mission first, safety always. Push decision making to the lowest level. Communicate up and down the chain. Have fun: Keep a balance, keep a sense of humor and test your ideas. Present options."

Murphy arrives at CSS after serving as Comptroller, Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support, Philadelphia, Pa.

Weiner's retirement ceremony followed the change of command. Commander, Naval Supply Systems Command and Chief of Supply Corps Rear Adm. Mark F. Heinrich was the guest speaker.

Heinrich praised Weiner's professional performance spanning 30 years of service.

"You set the bar high, Dana," Heinrich said. "And I think the entire Navy Supply community and the entire service community is better because of that."

Weiner spoke of the importance of family in his retirement address.

"Service is temporary, family is forever," he said. "And I am so blessed with great family. You can't pick your family, but even if I could, I couldn't have done a better job. I can't adequately thank you all for all you have done."

CSS was established Feb. 7, 2003, in response to Naval Education and Training's (NETC) initiative to address challenges in Fleet training and to improve Sailors' professional development products and processes. In streamlining the business of delivering training, NETC charged 15 learning centers like CSS with specific areas of naval training. NETC organized the centers around their functional areas and appropriately aligned schools and respective training sites to each center.

Today, CSS and its learning sites provide Sailors with the knowledge and skills needed to support the Fleet's warfighting mission. More than 300 staff and faculty work hand in hand with the Fleet and are dedicated to ensuring training is current and well executed on behalf of 10,000 officers and enlisted who graduate from CSS courses annually. The team remains dedicated to providing quality training and professional development products to Sailors serving the Fleet in the administration, logistics and media communities.

For more news from Center for Service Support, visit www.navy.mil/local/css/.