Rear Adm. Brian Hurley relieved Rear Adm. Charles Williams as commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific (COMLOG WESTPAC) during a change of command ceremony, June 24. Hurley also assumed duties as commander, Task Force 73 and Singapore Area Coordinator for U.S. forces stationed in the region.

Since July 2014, Williams oversaw the logistics and maintenance support of all ships operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility, a vast maritime region encompassing more than 54 million square miles between the International Date Line and the Strait of Hormuz.

With a particular focus on South and Southeast Asia, Williams also enhanced relationships with regional allies, partners and friends through maritime security cooperation activities -- such as the bilateral and multilateral exercise series Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT), the multilateral exercise Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training (SECAT) and the Naval Engagement Activity (NEA) with Vietnam.

The keynote speaker, U.S. Ambassador to Singapore Kirk Wagar, praised Williams' many accomplishments, including his sustained focus on 7th Fleet logistics and security cooperation activities in South and Southeast Asia -- both in direct support of America's rebalance to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

"The men and women of COMLOG WESTPAC are building regional capacity and fostering friendships with partner nations throughout the region," said Wagar. "They are arguably the most persistent and visible aspect of the U.S. Navy's commitment to South and Southeast Asia."

Also presiding over the ceremony was Vice Adm. Joseph Aucoin, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. Aucoin lauded the contributions of the officers and enlisted personnel assigned to COMLOG WESTPAC and Task Force 73 for their engagement throughout the region and logistical support to the fleet.

"To Rear Adm. Williams and our team here in Singapore, thank you for what you do every day to support our Navy's forward presence," said Aucoin. "You provide the fleet with what it needs to operate. You are the life blood of the Indo-Asia-Pacific."

Williams reflected on his time as commander and thanked the Sailors, Marines, and Department of Defense civilian employees for the opportunity to lead and serve with them.

"I want to thank all of our Sailors, civilian employees, and their families for your faithful service and for sharing this special day with me, my family, and our incoming commander, Rear Adm. Brian Hurley," said Williams. "I've been truly blessed to oversee a dynamic portfolio of missions, and lead diverse and talented men and women who go out and execute these missions day in and day out."

As a career submarine officer having served across the Navy in numerous leadership positions and flag staffs, Hurley assumed command of COMLOG WESTPAC and Task Force 73 after serving as deputy commander, U.S. 7th Fleet in Yokosuka, Japan.

"Today I take command of a diverse and talented group of Navy professionals," said Hurley. "I'm excited to remain in the 7th Fleet and I'm ready to go to work. I look forward to serving with you."

Williams' next assignment will be as commander of the USS Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group, Task Force 70.

Located in Singapore since 1991, COMLOG WESTPAC is the U.S. 7th Fleet's provider of combat-ready logistics, operating government-owned and contracted ships to keep units throughout 7th Fleet armed, fueled, and fed. Additionally, Task Force 73 is 7th Fleet's Theater Security Cooperation agent for South and Southeast Asia.

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