Cmdr. Michael K. Ford relieved Cmdr. Brent E. Cower as commanding officer of Navy Recruiting District (NRD) Jacksonville during a change of command ceremony held at The Florida Yacht Club, May 21.

Cower served as the district's commanding officer since February 2014 and will report to Commander Navy Recruiting Command, Millington, Tennesee, for his new assignment.

"Our team has been a consistent force in recruiting and the numbers prove it," said Cower. "The success of my tour as commanding officer is owed to the exceptional devotion and hard work of the men and women of Navy Recruiting District Jacksonville."

With the assumption of command, Ford completes his tour of duty as the district's executive officer.

As the new commanding officer, Ford will oversee 51,000 square miles in Georgia and Florida, 36 Navy Recruiting Stations, one Military Entrance Processing Station and the command headquarters in Jacksonville, along with more than 200 officers, enlisted personnel and civilian employees.

"As the former executive officer, I am familiar with the caliber of personnel who are assigned to this command and I look forward to continuing our mission with same perseverance you have shown me in the past," said Ford. "We will take the helm on new challenges with the mindset of one team, one fight," said Ford. "With that mentality, we will remain leaders in the recruiting community and will continue to bring the highest quality of men and women into the United States Navy."

Ford is a 1982 graduate of the University of Louisiana, Lafayette where he graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and he holds a Master of Science degree from the Naval Postgraduate School.

During his career, Ford has served with numerous commands including: USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), USS Chosin (CG 65); USS Port Royal (CG 73); USS Russell (DDG 59); USS Rodney M. Davis (FFG 60); Fleet Combat Training Center; Commander, Destroyer Squadron 31; U.S. Pacific Command; U.S. Pacific Fleet; Afloat Training Group Middle Pacific and NRD Jacksonville.

Ford's awards and decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (eight awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three awards), Humanitarian Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal (bronze star).

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