Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Yokosuka held a change of command ceremony with limited attendance in accordance with COVID-19 health protection measures on July 2.

Capt. Edward Pidgeon relieved Capt. Frank Nevarez, who served as the 35th commanding officer for the U.S. Navy’s largest overseas logistics center.

“From day one, the 1,200 strong personnel made up of Navy, Marines, Army of one, U.S. government service workforce, foreign nationals and master labor contract staff have lived up to my guiding principles of teamwork, professionalism, leadership and operational excellence,” said Nevarez. “When I look at back at this command tour there was lot to be thankful for, but it was only made memorable by the people and their actions, their leadership and their unselfishness to make this a better organization and a better Navy.”

As commanding officer, one of Nevarez’s most notable accomplishments was the quick implementation of mitigation measures at the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak, directing vast changes to protect personnel, customers and the U.S. 7th Fleet. With a significantly reduced workforce, NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka continued to fully sustain fleet readiness and operations and was a major player in the COVID-19 recovery efforts for USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) and USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71).

Nevarez’s next assignment is Joint Chiefs of Staff in Washington, D.C.

NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka’s new commanding officer is Pidgeon. Prior to reporting to the command, he served as assistant chief of staff for Logistics, Ordnance and Sustainment (N4), U.S. 7th Fleet.

“Frank, as you have done so many times throughout your career, you have laid the foundation for which your successor will have a very difficult time measuring up to,” said Pidgeon. “I will do my utmost to keep the helm steady on the course you have provided.”

Rear Adm. Brian Fort, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Japan and Navy Region Japan, the presiding officer and guest speaker, expressed his excitement for the command’s future under Pidgeon’s leadership.

“He’s a proven leader with an excellent mix of sea and shore duty experience,” said Fort. “Leading as a supply officer during sea tours and working logistics during shore assignments has prepared him for this current opportunity.”

NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka is one of eight fleet logistics centers under NAVSUP. Headquartered just 26 miles south of Tokyo, it is the western Pacific region's largest U.S. Navy logistics command, networking more than 14 sites with a mission to deliver supply and logistics solutions that enable deployed maritime warfighter readiness in the Indo-Pacific region.

NAVSUP provides U.S. naval forces with quality supplies and services. With headquarters in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and employing a diverse, worldwide workforce of more than 22,500 military and civilian personnel, NAVSUP oversees logistics programs in the areas of supply operations, conventional ordnance, contracting, resale, fuel, transportation, and security assistance. In addition, NAVSUP is responsible for quality-of-life issues for naval forces including food service, postal services, Navy Exchanges, and movement of household goods.

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