Capt. Rachael Dempsey relieved Capt. Michael Roth, as commanding officer of Fleet Weather Center San Diego (FWC-SD) during a change of command ceremony held on July 26, at Naval Base Coronado, North Island Annex. 

During the ceremony Capt. Roth stated, “I am transferring command of an incredible team of military and civilian men and women who absolutely excel at their job to an amazing, capable leader Capt. Rachael Dempsey. She is a proven leader and is bringing a wealth of experience as your new CO. She has an amazing reputation and I am certain she will lead this command in further success.”

Roth assumed command of FWC-SD in June 2016, overseeing 316 military and civilian personnel who provide full-spectrum weather services to facilitate risk management, resource protection and decision superiority to enable mission success.

The presiding officer of the ceremony was Rear Adm. John A. Okon, commander, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command (CNMOC). During his speech he told Roth, “You epitomize what it means to be a military officer, commanding officer and shipmate. A humble, caring, compassionate, hard-working and tough leader. Your leadership and ability to consistently make the right choices for mission, but more importantly your teammates, is eye-watering.”

Roth is scheduled to report for duty as U.S Pacific Fleet Staff Oceanographer at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii.

“The opportunity to Command is one that few are afforded and is never to be taken lightly. It is heavy in its weight, yet is lightened by the efforts of those who are empowered to execute their authorities,” said Dempsey. “I know this first-hand as I take Command today as a credit to the long list of Sailors with whom I have served and from whom I have learned so much.”

Dempsey reported to FWC-SD after serving as the Navy Fellow for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence Military Fellowship.

Naval Oceanography directs and oversees more than 2,500 globally-distributed military and civilian personnel who collect, process and exploit environmental information to assist Fleet and Joint Commanders in all warfare areas to make better decisions faster than the adversary. For more news from Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command, visit www.navy.mil/.

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For more news from Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command, visit www.navy.mil/.