Navy Cargo Handling Battalion One (NCHB-1) held a change of command ceremony at Naval Weapons Station, Cheatham Annex in Williamsburg, Virginia Sept. 7th.

Cmdr. Christopher Koprivec relieved Cmdr. Paul D. Melvey, who served at the helm of NCHB-1 since July 2015.

"The change of command ceremony is a time-honored naval tradition," said Lt. Cmdr. Robert A. Kalloch, NCHB-1 Executive Officer. "All hands would muster on deck and witness the formal transfer of authority from one commander to another."

Cmdr. Melvey spoke to an audience of more than 250 NCHB-1 personnel, family and friends about the accomplishments of NCHB-1 and the forward deployed forces during his tenure.

"Smart people tell you to write stuff down because when you get emotional you just have to read so that is what I'm going to do," said Melvey in his opening remarks. "NCHB-1 Leading you as the commanding officer was the greatest honor of my life. You demonstrated combat effectiveness, warfighting spirit and ingenuity, who succeeded in the face of adversity, you are outstanding warriors and ambassadors that clearly demonstrated navy core values."

In closing, Melvey left his crew with this, "When someone says 'thank you for your service,' make sure you have acted in a way you know that in your heart you have earned it and don't forget this isn't just a simple cloth, this is the uniform of the United States Navy. It is the sacred cloth our ancestors fought in and many died so think of that every day you put it on, wear it with honor, courage and commitment."

Orders were read and the presiding officer, Capt. Joseph A. Davis, the Deputy Commander, Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group, executed the change of command.

Cmdr. Koprivec thanked Melvey for his leadership and hard work as NCHB-1 commanding officer.

"Cmdr. Melvey you have developed and led this incredible team over the past two years and our turn over has shown me that you have done an outstanding job, thank you," Koprivec said. "To the Sailors of NCHB-1, it's great to be back in the cargo nation, thank you for your professionalism and the passion for what you do. It is my humble honor to lead such an amazing and rare group of dedicated Sailors.

Cmdr. Koprivec ended his speech and asked the attendees to join him in a round of applause for Cmdr. Melvey in the job he did as commanding officer.

NCHB-1 is the Navy's only active duty cargo handling battalion and is a rapidly deployable operating unit of the U.S. Fleet Forces capable of loading/discharging ships and aircraft in all climatic and threat conditions. NCHB 1 specializes in instream cargo handling with the capability to perform air and terminal freight operations.

NCHB-1 is capable of providing independent mission tailored detachments, or fully deploying as a self-sustaining unit anywhere in the world. At full strength, in support of an amphibious assault, NCHB-1 can operate around the clock, simultaneously discharging a full Maritime Prepositioning Squadron. Operations can be conducted through an established port or utilizing lighterage during instream operations.

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