Capt. David J. Bryson, a native of Tullahoma, took command of Naval Support Activity (NSA) Mid-South, in Millington, during a change of command ceremony, July 10.

Capt. Douglas H. Walker, a native of Tulsa, Oklahoma, relinquished command to Bryson during a traditional Navy ceremony. Walker served as commanding officer since July, 2013.

While Millington was not his first choice when he selected new military orders two years ago, Walker said he is grateful that he had the opportunity to serve in such a supportive and patriotic town.

"With no runways and no piers, Millington just wasn't high on my list back then," Walker said during the ceremony. "But obviously the detailers right here on base knew something I didn't! I never realized how important my work here could be.

"Team Mid-South is incredible," said Walker. "This team has really done some great things. We made a difference."

He added that he was very proud of the strong partnerships that the city of Millington had formed with the base that strengthened the capabilities of the installation.

"People acting as a team can equal more than the sum of the individuals," he said.

During the ceremony, Walker was presented with a key to city by Millington Mayor Terry Jones.

Walker also received a Legion of Merit for his performance as the commanding officer of NSA Mid-South.

The guest speaker and presiding officer for the ceremony was Rear Adm. David Steindl, commander, Navy Personnel Command.

"Capt. Walker has been a spectacular commanding officer and brilliant leader who has been a passionate and energetic advocate for all of us in Millington," said Steindl. "In the midst of my third tour in Millington, I can honestly say that I've never seen an installation commanding officer so focused on mission accomplishment, so capable of solving problems and so personally dedicated to the people who live and work at NSA. Capt. Walker will be missed.

"I assure every one," Steindl added, "he made an impact on a daily basis."

Bryson is taking command following a successful tour as chief of staff for the joint J8 Directorate, which provides analysis support to the Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman.

Bryson, who in addition to being native to Tennessee is an alumnus of "Ole Miss" Mississippi University, said he and his family were excited when they found out that he would have the opportunity to serve in the Mid-South.

"We are all excited to be home," he said. "And this is home."

Bryson said he looked forward to working with the military and civilians at NSA Mid-South.

"It is a tremendous team here," Bryson added. "The opportunity to command is a privilege and I don't take it lightly."

NSA Mid-South serves as a human resource headquarters for the Navy providing "cradle to grave" support through tenant commands including Navy Recruiting Command, Navy Bureau of Personnel, Navy Personnel Command, and Navy Manpower Analysis Center. The installation also hosts the Army Corps of Engineers, an Army Reserve and a Marine Reserve center along with providing support to the Navy Operational Support Center and Tennessee National Guard and Air National Guard.

For more news from Naval Support Activity, Mid-South, visit www.navy.mil/.