Fleet Anti-Submarine Warfare Training Center (FLEASWTRACEN) held a change of command ceremony onboard Naval Base Point Loma, June 15.

Capt. Brandon Bryan relieved Capt. Ron Toland as commanding officer.

Toland assumed command of the training center in June 2016. During his tenure, he led a staff of 270 service members and 30 civilian government employees, enhanced curriculum and proficiency of his instructors, and embarked on several initiatives, including the reshaping and implementing of new sonar technician surface training.

Capt. Frank X. Castellano, Center for Surface Combat Systems' commanding officer, was the guest speaker and highlighted some of Toland's achievements.

"Ron's unique anti-submarine warfare background and extensive mine warfare operational experience promoted and achieved command excellence at one of my largest commands," Castellano explained. "Ron and his team developed Air Intercept Controller (AIC) and Anti-Submarine Warfare Tactical Air Controller (ASTAC) preparation courses dramatically reducing attrition and improving fleet manning. He oversaw the Littoral Combat Ship Training Facility (LTF) expansion which included opening a new LTF onboard Naval Base San Diego. Ron actively fostered a positive command climate resulting in Naval Education and Training Command's Fiscal Year 2017 Gold Anchor Retention Excellence Award for the fourth consecutive year. Lastly, but extremely important, Ron and his staff provided the perseverance for Sailor 2025 Block Learning and Ready, Relevant Learning for the sonar technician surface rate. His team of sonar experts developed a combined A(V)15 Operations / "A" School merger to eliminate overhead and streamline learning pipelines in support of RRL initiatives. These initiatives improved overall street-to-fleet time for initial-entry Sailors, and served to reduce knowledge and skill degradation experienced in extended periods of Awaiting Instruction.

Toland was awarded a Legion of Merit and reflected on his tour.

"FLEASWTRACEN staff, I had a great time leading this outstanding team of professionals," Toland said.

"The many accomplishments that Capt. Castellano recognized today was due to your dedicated, daily efforts ensuring we developed and delivered the best surface ship combat systems training to our fleet Sailors to allow them to achieve surface warfare superiority. Keep your motivation focused on achieving your instructional goals and continuing to become the subject matter experts in each of your respective training areas, reinforcing the correct maintenance and operational habits to our students. FLEASWTRACEN has an incredible history since established in 1939 and each of you has helped to write another chapter. Never forget that we serve the greatest Navy the world has ever known and we must train our fleet Sailors to be ready to accomplish our core combat systems missions when called upon."

Toland's next assignment is deputy commander for Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center Mine Warfare Division, also located in San Diego.

Bryan, who previously served as assistant chief of staff for operations on the staff of commander, Carrier Strike Group 15 and director of strike group anti-submarine warfare training at the Undersea Warfighting Development Center, looks forward to his new duty as commanding officer for FLEASWTRACEN.

"It is a true honor and privilege to take command of this dedicated team of Navy active duty and civilian professionals," Bryan said.

"FLEASWTRACEN is at the forefront of delivering relevant and realistic combat systems training to the surface warfare fleet, and I look forward to working with this superb team in continuing their record of excellence."

CSCS' mission is to develop and deliver surface ship combat systems training to achieve surface warfare superiority. CSCS headquarters' staff oversees 14 learning sites, including FLEASWTRACEN. With a military and civilian staff of 300, FLEASWTRACEN delivers 90 technical courses of instruction through 475 course convenes educating more than 4,100 U.S. Navy and partner nation Sailors in the many facets of maintaining and operating their ships in the areas of anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, combat systems training and littoral combat ship training.

For information on Fleet Anti-Submarine Warfare Training Center, visit http://www.netc.navy.mil/centers/cscs/fasw/.