Tapp Takes Command of CDSA Dam Neck

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- Capt. Eric A. Tapp relieved Capt. Stephen H. Kelley as commanding officer, Combat Direction Systems Activity (CDSA), Dam Neck, during a June 5 ceremony at Oceana Naval Air Station.

As the 26th commanding officer, Tapp reports to CDSA Dam Neck after serving most recently as the chief of staff for the Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV). Over the course of his 27-year career, he also served in assignments within the Program Executive Office for Integrated Warfare Systems (PEO IWS), NATO Seasparrow Program Office and Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion and Repair in Pascagoula, Miss. A graduate of Jacksonville University, he has also served aboard USS Voge (FF 1047), and USS John Hancock (DD 981). Tapp obtained his master's degree in weapons systems engineering in 1993 from the Naval Post Graduate School.

"With a career in the surface warfare and engineering duty officer community, Capt. Tapp brings extensive operational, technical and acquisition experience to the team," said Rear Adm. Lawrence E. Creevy, commander, Naval Surface Warfare Center during the event's keynote address. "I'm thrilled to see him in the position."

Following the change of command, Kelley retired in a separate ceremony after 31 years of Navy service.

"Across the board, Capt. Kelley has excelled as the commanding officer. Through his visionary leadership, he has helped ensure that our Fleet is the most ready, capable and relevant in the world," said Creevy. "More than anything, these accomplishments underscore Capt. Kelley's selfless effort and commitment to maintaining a relevant Navy for today and tomorrow."

CDSA Dam Neck is part of the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division, and a Naval Sea Systems Command field activity. CDSA provides force-level integrated and interoperable engineering solutions, mission critical control systems, and associated testing and training technologies to meet maritime, joint, special warfare and information operation requirements related to surface warfare.


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