U.S. Naval Support Activity Souda Bay held a change of command ceremony, Aug. 1, on board the installation.

Capt. Brad J. Collins relieved Capt. Michael R. Moore as commanding officer.

Rear Adm. Rick L. Williamson, commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia, was the guest speaker for the event and presented Moore with the Legion of Merit, gold star in lieu of second award.

In his remarks, Moore directly addressed the Sailors of NSA Souda Bay.

"You have all chosen to volunteer to serve your nation in challenging times, choosing a life of sacrifice and service," said Moore. "You have chosen a life distinct from your peers, and you represent the best America has to offer. I continue to be impressed and inspired by you all daily."

He went on to thank the department heads and leaders of tenant commands on board the installation, as well as family for the support given throughout his 28 monthlong tour as commanding officer.

Moore will report to Navy Region Mid-Atlantic in Norfolk to be the chief of staff to the commander of the base.

Collins is a Lake Forest, California, native and most recently served as director of Test, Division Chief for Wargames and Exercises for the Missile Defense Agency in Schriever, Colorado, where he led more than 100 military, government civilian and contractor personnel in the planning, testing, integration and execution of Ballistic Missile Defense Wargames around the globe.

In his speech Collins acknowledged the difference in taking command of an U.S. installation on board a Greek base.

"While my career has been centered on Sailors, this job is different, and Team Souda functions only when military, government civilian and local national personnel work towards our stated mission," said Collins. "I look forward to seeing what each individual contributes toward that end, to listen to the expert advice of those who have served on the ground, and to assist in whatever ways possible to build on the solid foundation that exists both here at Souda Bay and with our amazing Greek partners."

With more than 800 military, DoD civilian/contractor, and local national personnel assigned to the base, Souda Bay plays a vital role in supporting both U.S. and NATO forward operations throughout the EUCOM, CENTCOM and AFRICOM theaters of operation.

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