Rear Adm. Sandy Adams, former deputy commander, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC), retired from the U.S. Navy Reserve after 34 years of service on Sept. 21, and reflected on the important mission the Reserve force performs for our nation.

"Our NECC Reserve Sailors are so experienced because of the varied operations they have supported since 9/11," said Adams. "We need to harness those unique experiences and reinvest them into our future chiefs and future commanding officers."

Adams received her commission on Oct. 1, 1981 and was assigned to 16 different active and Reserve commands ranging from naval platforms and joint assignments to the Coastal Riverine Force and everything in between. She also participated in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm in 1990 and was mobilized to support NATO Training Mission Afghanistan.

From her vast experience, she advises Sailors who may be thinking of leaving active duty to consider continuing their service in the Reserve force.

"The Navy Reserve performs a critical role in our nation's security. Fifty percent of NECC forces are reserve units stationed in more than 25 states, as well as 123 Navy Operational Support Centers across the country where Reserve sailors can continue to serve," said Adams, who also served on active duty for seven years. "Because I chose to stay Navy in the Reserve, I have been all over the world, met and served with great patriots, and have had a much more rewarding and rich life."

Rear Adm. Darren Hanson, incoming deputy commander, NECC, emphasized the critical role Reserve Sailors play in our operational expeditionary forces.

"I want to capitalize on the great work Sandy has accomplished and lean forward to help our Reserve forces remain ready, relevant, and resilient in their training and development to respond to tasking anytime and anywhere," said Hanson.

NECC is an enduring war fighting force providing sea-to-shore and inland operating environment capabilities across the full range of military operations that is focused on delivering combat effective expeditionary forces ready for worldwide operations now and into the future.


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