The Center for Surface Combat Systems (CSCS) Detachment (Det) East held a change of charge ceremony at Naval Base Norfolk, Va. June 22, 2018.

Cmdr. Calvin E. Bumphus relieved Cmdr. Henry "Hank" P. Pierce as officer in charge (OIC).

Pierce assumed command of CSCS Det East in July 2015. During his tenure, he led a staff of 143 military service members, five government civilian employees and 27 contractor instructors enhancing curriculum and proficiency of the instructors. He embarked on several initiatives, including implementation of the Crane Operator Simulator, Combined Integrated Air Defense and Anti-Submarine Warfare Team Trainer (CIAT), SQQ-89 Sonar System, and the relocation of the Multi-Mission Team Trainer (MMTT).

Capt. Frank X. Castellano, CSCS' commanding officer, spoke of Pierce's successful tour.

"Hank's emphasis on training, mentorship, and career development in support of his philosophy of the 'Total Sailor' enabled Det East to significantly contribute toward CSCS command-wide improvements in curriculum and instructional standards," said Castellano. "His contributions will positively impact the surface combat systems training community for years to come."

Pierce was awarded a Meritorious Service Medal and reflected on his tour.

"My most memorable achievement here is my Sailors' successes," explained Pierce. "My mission would be nothing without the caliber of personnel here...to have played a role and witness my Sailors achieve career milestones and enjoy clear paths to success was awe-inspiring and motivating given my return to the fleet. Thank you for your passion, dedication, and going beyond the call of duty."

Pierce's next assignment is operations officer aboard USS America (LHA 6), located in San Diego.

Bumphus, who previously served as assistant to the chief of staff for material and logistics (N4) for Carrier Strike Group 2, looks forward to his new duty as OIC.

"I look forward to working with all of you and navigating this path," he said. "I promise to help guide you in becoming the best instructors and mentors you can be so that the training and mentorship you provide, helps better the Sailors of today and tomorrow."

CSCS' mission is to develop and deliver surface ship combat systems training to achieve surface warfare superiority. CSCS headquarters' staff oversees 14 learning sites, including CSCS Det East. With a military, government civilian, and contractor staff of over 150 personnel, CSCS Det East delivers 63 technical courses of instruction in Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Air Control, C4I and deck systems along with rating specific training for Operations Specialists (OS), Electronics Technicians (ET), Gunner's Mates (GM), and Boatswain's Mates (BM), educating more than 3,000 Sailors annually.

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For information on Center for Surface Combat Systems, visit http://www.netc.navy.mil/centers/cscs/Default.htm