Sailors and family members, attached to Naval Airborne Weapons Maintenance Unit 1 (NAWMU-1), gathered for a change of command ceremony at the U.S. Naval Base Guam chapel in Santa Rita, June 13.

Cmdr. Todd Nelson relieved Cmdr. Stephen Folsom of his duties as NAWMU-1’s commanding officer, a responsibility Folsom accepted in April 2017.  

Capt. Jeffrey Holzer, deputy commodore, Commander, Fleet Air Western Pacific, recognized Folsom’s accomplishments during his tenure with NAWMU-1 and encouraged command Sailors to forge ahead with their outstanding service.

“Skipper Folsom’s perseverance and dedication to improving the working conditions, and increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of NAWMU-1, is absolutely commendable,” he said. “The most impressive thing is that the Sailors continue to accomplish the mission. The future will continue to improve for NAWMU-1.”

As Folsom’s numerous naval achievements were announced, Holzer moved to present him with the Meritorious Service medal and certificate.

Delivering his parting words, Folsom iterated multiple milestones achieved by the Sailors of NAWMU-1 and described them as a ready, relevant, and critical force.

“NAWMU-1 truly is the little command that can. I know NAWMU-1 is in great hands,” he said. “We must ensure (Sailors) have the tools, facilities, and funding to support their unique and much-needed capability in this (area of responsibility). When the fight tonight occurs, NAWMU-1 will be instrumental in the success of victory on the battlefield.”

Folsom will report to Newport News, Virginia.

After reading his orders, Nelson expressed his commitment to the command and its crew.

“I couldn’t be happier, and I couldn’t be more humbled,” he said. “NAWMU-1 will continue to provide world-class weapon support to the warfighter and constantly look for opportunities to expand and refine our capabilities.”

NAWMU-1 is the U.S. Navy’s only intermediate and depot-level weapons maintenance and testing unit for air and surface-launched missiles, and guided weapons.

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