Coastal Riverine Group 2 (CRG 2) held a change of command ceremony on Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story (JEBLC-FS), Nov 3.

Capt. Ty Britt relieved Capt. Robert Cepek as commander of CRG 2.

Rear Adm. Brian Brakke, commander of Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) and NECC Pacific, served as guest speaker and commended Cepek's accomplishments while leading CRG 2.

"There is a common theme that served as one of the hallmarks of Capt. Cepek's leadership...and that theme is: problem solver," said Brakke.

Brakke noted Cepek's problem-solving initiatives in terms of the work he did in the Mark VI's fleet integration, as well as the establishment of high-value unit escort detachments. Brakke also discussed the ways in which Cepek addressed the command's manning challenges to ensure CRG 2 remained ready and able to support operational tasking.

During Cepek's tenure, the Coastal Riverine Force experienced an increase in the number of vacant billets and a decrease in the number of billets supported by Sailors with the appropriate seniority and qualifications needed to successfully carry out their responsibilities.

Capt. Cepek tackled this problem head on by integrating more than 260 reserve Sailors into two coastal Riverine squadrons.

"This effort ensured these squadrons were postured to deploy, not only at the required manning level, but above it," noted Brakke.

Brakke also spoke about Cepek's implementation of a forward-deployed maintenance support team.

"These efforts ensured the command's men and women operating down range were taken care of, and maintained a high level of operational availability," said Brakke.

Following Brakke's remarks, Cepek took the opportunity to address the command.

"I'm humbled to have been entrusted with this group and grateful to have served with you for the past 36 months," said Cepek. "Being your commodore has been a privilege and a deep honor that will stay with me forever."

Upon being awarded the Legion of Merit, gold star in lieu of second award, Cepek read his orders and officially turned over command to Britt.

Britt thanked Cepek and then addressed the Sailors of CRG 2 for the first time.

"It's been an honor and privilege to work alongside Capt. Cepek and the warriors of Coastal Riverine Group 2 these last 18 months," said Britt. "We have introduced new capabilities around the globe and I'm excited to be able to continue to work with these amazing Sailors in the support of our nation's and our Navy's security and forward presence."

CRG 2, headquartered at JEBLC-FS, oversees all East Coast-based active and reserve component coastal Riverine squadrons, including one forward-deployed detachment in Bahrain and Coastal Riverine Training and Evaluation Unit 2.

For more news from Navy Expeditionary Combat Command , visit http://www.navy.mil/.