Capt. William Bulis relieved Rear Adm. Jeffrey Ruth as commander, Navy Region Northwest (CNRNW) during a change of charge ceremony in the Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor Theater, July 22.

Ruth assumed duties as CNRNW August 2014, and has since worked to understand and deliver customer-oriented, reliable, responsive, and secure shore services and infrastructure.

Navy Region Northwest provides shore-based services to the third largest fleet concentration area in the world -- including two aircraft carriers, 13 ships, 13 submarines, 92 support vessels and 115 aircraft -- enabling the fleet and supported commands to focus on their mission.

"It would be a bit naive to think that you could make it to this point in a naval career, and given a privileged command and for the region to be as successful as I know we have been, simply of my own accord," said Ruth. "Out of an overwhelming sense of gratitude I'd like to take this time and opportunity to satisfy the obligation I feel to publicly thank those that I feel made this possible. I want to thank every one of the outstanding Sailors, civilians and Marines who have worked hard to make the Navy and the Northwest such a success."

Ruth's next assignment will be at Joint Forces Staff College, Norfolk, where he will serve as the new commandant. Prior to his tenure as CNRNW, Ruth served as commanding officer of aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), where he deployed to the Western Pacific, Red Sea and Middle East supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

"Today I will move on from the region and report to Joint Forces Staff College, Norfolk as their new commandant," said Ruth. "While I look forward to the future, I will always value my time here in the Pacific Northwest. During my two years as regional commander, I've been privileged to be part of a team that has achieved many impressive milestones and completed work that helped advance the mission of the Navy both here and around the world."

Vice Adm. Dixon R. Smith, commander, Navy Installations Command, and guest speaker for the ceremony presented the Legion of Merit, gold star in lieu of third award to Ruth following his remarks.

As Ruth's final act as CNRNW, he presented the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award to Ann Eberhard, Shaun E. Willis, and Charles R. Sontag for their outstanding service and presented Musician 3rd Class Daniel C. Weber a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for professional achievement and superior performance of duties.

Bulis, who has served as chief of staff to Ruth since March 2015, and previously served as commander of Naval Station Great Lakes -- home of the U.S. Navy's only boot camp and its largest training base -- assumed command before addressing the guests in attendance.

"I realize that this is a short-term lease; I gladly accept the responsibility and fully respect it," said Bulis. "Our installations and services that we provide are the bedrock that allow the fleet to operate far from home. Because of that, each of you has a critical role in our national security. Be innovative, embrace your responsibility, and I am honored to join you in doing so."

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