Reserve Component Command Great Lakes Holds Change of Command Ceremony

08 April 2021

From Cmdr. Todd Spitler, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Reserve Component Command Great Lakes Public Affairs

GREAT LAKES, Ill. - Capt. Billy D. Franklin relieved Capt. John J. Molinari as Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Reserve Component Command (NRMA RCC) Great Lakes during a change of command ceremony onboard Naval Station Great Lakes, Illinois, April 7.

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210407-N-MB038-1051 GREAT LAKES, Ill. (Apr. 7, 2021) Rear Adm. John A. Schommer, Commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command, presents Capt. John Molinari an end of tour award during Reserve Component Command Great Lakes change of command ceremony. (US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Marshall)

“In order to ensure our citizen Sailors are warfighting ready, RCC Great Lakes relies on the best leaders and the best Sailors our Navy Reserve has to offer,” said Rear Adm. John A. Schommer, Commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command, who presided over the event. “Therefore, it is my genuine privilege to be part of today’s special ceremony, a transition between two incredible leaders.”

Molinari has served as the NRMA RCC commander since June 2019. During that time, he led more than 5,400 Selected Reserve (SELRES) Sailors and 350 Full Time Support (FTS) staff at 23 Navy Operational Support Centers (NOSC) across eight states.

“The Chief of Naval Operation’s Navigation Plan and the Navy Reserve Fighting Instructions discuss the importance of a Navy Reserve that generates warfighting-ready strategic depth,” said Molinari. “This past year was a testament to RCC Great Lakes delivering ready forces on very short order to support COVID-19 response efforts — 458 Sailors from the Region answered the call — many boots on ground within 48 hours; and we are ready to send more to support national vaccination efforts. This success is only possible because of the premier team of professional staffs at the RCC and 23 NOSCs, and the unselfish dedicated citizen-Sailors in the region.”

During the ceremony, Molinari shared lessons that have shaped his leadership style during his career.

“Treat people as people,” Molinari said. “Don’t be afraid to lead them; and don’t be afraid to get out of the way and let them do their job. There is no limit to what valued, empowered Sailors and Navy civilians can accomplish.”

Franklin expressed his enthusiasm to lead the NRMA RCC in its mission to support the Navy with ready, able and well-trained Reserve Sailors.

“I’m excited to join the all-Star team,” said Franklin. “And I look forward to serving the Sailors in the Navy Region Mid Atlantic RCC.”

Franklin plans to continue Molinari’s “one-team, one-fight” culture at NRMA RCC through proactive leadership engagement and gaining feedback from his Sailors.

Later this month, Molinari will transfer to Norfolk, Virginia to become chief of staff for Commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command.

NRMA RCC Great Lakes serves 23 NOSCs staffed with more than 350 Full-Time Support Sailors and civilians serving over 5,400 Navy Reserve personnel located across eight states. NRMA RCC Great Lakes’ mission is to generate mobilization readiness through providing administrative services, training, management and support to Reserve Sailors in support of operational requirements of the Navy, Marine Corps and Joint Forces team.

For more news from RCC Great Lakes, visit https://www.facebook.com/RCCGreatLakes

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