Capt. Matthew Rick relieved Capt. Edward Gettins as commanding officer Training Support Center Hampton Roads (TSCHR) during a change of command ceremony aboard Naval Air Station Oceana Nov. 17.

Capt. Mike Whitt Naval Education & Training Command, chief of staff, was the ceremonial guest speaker.

"Ed, you and your team's expertise provided sailors who are trained and ready for the fleet, said Whitt. "You've led by example and in doing so, I commend you."

Gettins thanked his family, friends, mentors and staff for their support, stating that they made his job look easy.

During his two-year tenure, Gettins led his training support team in the professional and personal development of nearly 150,000 military personnel from the U.S. He expanded on TSC's mission providing training for all sailors as well as personnel from the Marine Corps, Army, Air Force and International students from allied nations.

After Mrs. Stephanie Rick pinned the command ashore pin on her husband, Rick said "I'd like to say thank you to Ed for always giving me tips and pointers when we've turned over command and I'd also like to thank the TSC staff for taking the time out to show me around and for your expertise. I look forward to working with you all," said Rick.

Rick is a native of Eastlake, Ohio. He is a 1994 graduate of the United States Naval Academy. He also graduated from the U.S. Naval War College in 2006 and the National Defense University's Eisenhower School in 2013.

During his career, Rick was the commanding officer of USS Stephen W. Groves (FFG 29) in Mayport, Florida and was her final commanding officer. During this tour, the oldest Oliver Hazard class achieved many first milestones, to include circumnavigating the continent of Africa, becoming an Emerald Shellback and being recognized by the U.S. Senate for counter-piracy actions leading to the destruction of Jih Chun Tsai 68, a notorious Somalia pirate mothership and her four skiffs.

Rick's most recent assignment was as the operations officer for Commander Strike Group 10.

Gettins' next assignment will be as the chief of staff for the Board of Inspection & Survey, US Fleet Forces Command, JEB Little Creek.

"Matt, thank you for relieving me for the third time. I'm leaving TSC in very capable hands," said Gettins.

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