Capt. Vincent R. Johnson relieved Capt. Bruce W. Hay Jr. as commanding officer of Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) at a change of command and retirement ceremony held at the base air operations hangar Aug. 12.

Hay retired from 26 years of honorable and dedicated naval service during the ceremony.

Hay assumed command of PMRF July 2013, and during his three year tenure as commanding officer supported advanced technology development, national ballistic missile testing programs, and the training of Navy warriors. His leadership led to significant improvements in range operations procedures, business practices, base facilities, public access and community outreach programs. He was a proponent of environmental stewardship and led the command to receive three Chief of Naval Operations and two Secretary of the Navy Natural Resource Conservation Awards.

Hay looked back on his three-year command and began by expressing his fondness for his time at PMRF and gave thanks for those he had the privilege to serve with.

"When I took command of this amazing place, I made a simple proclamation that our relevancy would be tied to the demand for our services," said Hay. "I think, looking back, we definitely achieved that and more. As the head cheerleader for PMRF, it was an easy job telling people just how absolutely awesome we are and encouraging them to train and test here. You did the rest. Our customer's successes have been our successes. We've touched the outer reaches of space together and while doing so, we have continued to respect the land and sea and all the creatures that live on both."

"We have tirelessly volunteered, mentored and enriched the lives of everyone we come in contact with and opened our gates for countless events for the entire Kauai 'ohana,'" added Hay. "I honestly believe there is not a single challenge this team could not meet. To all the friends and partners on Kauai, thank you for supporting us, both the PMRF and Hay ohanas. This island is magical and I know great things have and will continue to be accomplished, because we're all pulling the net in as a team."

Among the many distinguished visitors and guests were Rear Adm. John V. Fuller, commander, Navy Region Hawaii, and commander, Naval Surface Group, Middle Pacific; Kauai County Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho; and Kauai Representative for Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, Kaulana Finn.

Finn shared a message from Gabbard, presented Hay with a token of appreciation for his service and welcomed Johnson to the Kauai ohana.

"Through notable skill you have guided PMRF to being a premier-class training range, which allows the testing of some of the most advanced weapons systems known to the world," said Finn. "Your commitment to transparency and to involving the Kauai community in the Navy's mission at PMRF is commendable."

"To Capt. Vincent Johnson, welcome aboard," added Finn. "It is with open arms and 'aloha' that we welcome you and your family to the Kauai community and to PMRF."

Carvalho applauded Hay for his service and dedication with an award and spoke of their relationship throughout the years.

"I like to call him 'braddah' Bruce, brother Capt. Bruce; I know how important our goal is in our community, to be able to pick up the phone and talk story," said Carvalho. "That's the kind of relationship we need -- to know how important this military base is to Kauai, for Hawaii and the world. This is our responsibility to continue to work closely, to continue to bridge and connect into our community."

Fuller presented Hay with the Legion of Merit and commended his exceptional work, outstanding service and contributions to the community.

"I opened my remarks by stating that today is historic; it's historic because today is more than just a change of command ceremony, it's about turning over a strategic gem from one very capable naval officer to another," said Fuller. "'Flounder' (Hay) impressed all of us with his ability to lead on many diverse fronts, from cyber readiness to improving morale and readiness to supporting fleet and other [Department of Defense] customers, all with such a small staff. He excelled at tasks that many commanders would not have even attempted. He figured out how to make it work.

Fuller also welcomed Johnson to the PMRF ohana.

"On behalf of Adm. Swift, and the Navy Region Hawaii and MIDPAC (Middle Pacific) team, I join the PMRF ohana in welcoming you to the extended family as the PMRF commanding officer," said Fuller. "I know you will anticipate change, communicate, strengthen the ohana and be ready for what comes next. I look forward to working with you, supporting you, and helping you succeed."

After official orders were read, Johnson succeeded Hay to be the 26th naval officer to command PMRF and the nearly 1,000 active-duty, civilian and contractor employees assigned to the base.

"I look forward to the opportunity to serve the fleet, PMRF and the community," said Johnson. "The fact that I get to do all this while living in paradise, surrounded by the most dedicated group of professionals I have ever been associated with isn't too bad, either."

Johnson was born in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, and raised in Lansing, Michigan. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in physics in 1993, and holds a Master of Arts in national security and strategic studies from the U.S. Naval War College. He was designated a naval aviator in 1996 and has achieved over 3,100 flight hours -- including 1,000 hours in the SH-60B Seahawk, as well as breaking 1,000 hours in the EA-6B Prowler. He arrives from the U.S. Naval War College, where he most recently served as a military professor of strategy and policy.

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