Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach held a dual change of command ceremony July 15 at the installation’s parade grounds.

Capt. Jessica O’Brien relieved Capt. Jason Sherman as Commanding Officer of both Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach and Navy Munitions Command Pacific, CONUS West Division. 

A career surface warfare officer with over 25 years of service, Capt. O’Brien brings with her a wealth of experience, from ships of the Pacific Fleet to the Pentagon.

Her previous assignments include Operations Officer aboard USS McClusky (FFG 41), Operations Officer and Chief Staff Officer for Amphibious Squadron Three, and Executive Officer and Commanding Officer of Beachmaster Unit One based in Coronado, CA. 

Most recently, she served as the Deputy Branch Head, Security Cooperation and Posture, for the Chief of Naval Operations.

“It’s truly an honor to be here and to be in command again, and it’s great to be back in California,” said O’Brien.  “This is home and we’re thrilled to be joining this great community.”

During Sherman’s three-year tenure, Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach received a number of Navy-wide and regional awards for installation excellence, environmental stewardship, safety, and housing operations. 

“From the big events, to the day to day challenges, Captain Sherman and his superb team have compiled an incredible list of accomplishments,” said Rear Adm. Brad Rosen, the Commander of Navy Region Southwest.  “This success was simply a combination of outstanding leadership and exceptional teamwork.”

“Words cannot do justice in explaining the level of appreciation I have for every single member of both my command staffs,” said Sherman.  “I treasure the time I was able to spend with you all, overcoming a litany of challenges, and helping to remove myriad obstacles and barriers.  We did it together, and I will savor our friendships and our victories for the remainder of my years,” said Sherman.

“To the community leaders here today, thank you for your continued support, and  I look forward to working with you, building on the relationships we have, and developing new friendships,” said O’Brien.  “To our Sailors and Navy civilian staff, I am both proud and humbled to be your commanding officer, and to be joining this tremendous team of professionals.” 

Commencing operations in 1944 as a U.S. Naval Ammunition and Net Depot, Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach is the Pacific Fleet’s premier munitions loading and storage installation.