Commander, Fleet Activities Chinhae (CFAC) conducted a change of command and retirement ceremony, Dec.15.

During the ceremony, Cmdr. Terry P. McNamara assumed command of CFAC from Cmdr. Michael Weatherford, who retired after 24-years of service.

Weatherford joined the Navy in 1991 and first reported to CFAC in 2012 as the executive officer. Throughout his career, Weatherford served on four ships, spent 11 years overseas, and was the first executive officer to fleet up to commanding officer in CFAC history.

Rear Adm. Bill Byrne, the commander of Navy Region Korea, was the guest speaker for the ceremony and highlighted the many accomplishments achieved under Weatherford's command.

"The work that has been done here at CFAC has been exceptional and it's been meaningful," Byrne said. "And what's most important is that the positive impact 'Dubya' had will remain for a long time after he moves on."

Byrne added that Weatherford exemplified the tenants of Vice Adm. Dixon Smith, the commander of Navy Installation Command by ensuring CFAC continued to sustain the fleet, enable the warfighter, and support the family.

During his remarks Weatherford thanked the family members, and local Chinhae population for attending and singled out his Sailors for their support.

"To my crew, thank you so much for being there for me," said Weatherford. "You made all of the accomplishments here happen which made my job easy."

Prior to reading his orders, Weatherford advised his Sailors using the same advice he received several years ago.

"Take care of yourselves and your shipmates," Weatherford said. "If you continue to work together, you can make anything happen."
After reading his orders and assuming command, McNamara said he was proud of the Sailors and inspired by the installation's accomplishments.

"Your efforts here have produced much success and I'm looking forward to continuing the great support and services that CFAC provides here in Korea."

CFAC is the only U.S. Navy installation in the Republic of Korea and its mission is to provide on-peninsula service, expertise, and material support to the fleet, Sailors, and civilians and the U.S.-ROK alliance through joint armistice, training exercises, and contingency operations.

For more news about U.S. Naval Forces Korea, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnfk.


For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea, visit www.navy.mil/.