Naval Support Facility (NSF) Redzikowo held a change of command ceremony in Slupsk, Poland, Dec. 5.

Capt. Scott McClelland relieved Capt. Rick Gilbert as commanding officer of NSF Redzikowo during the ceremony.

Capt. Lawrence Vasquez, chief of staff, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia (EURAFSWA), presided over the ceremony.

"Today marks another milestone in the partnership between the United States and Poland," said Vasquez. "A significant amount of work has taken place to get us to this point in our partnership and I would like to commend the commanding officer of Naval Support Facility Redzikowo, Captain Rick Gilbert, for his leadership."

Gilbert assumed command in November 2016. During his tenure, Gilbert coordinated more than $300 million in military construction projects and all related activities including the installation establishment ceremony in November 2016.

He served as a liaison between EURAFSWA in Naples, the Missile Defense Agency, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Polish Force Protection Battalion, and the local and national leadership in Poland.

Gilbert dedicated time to the local communities surrounding the base. In the last year, Gilbert and his Sailors visited 15 local schools interacting with Polish students in grades ranging from pre-school to high school.

"I feel very comfortable and confident that I am leaving NSF Redzikowo having built a solid foundation upon which the Polish and American relationship can continue to grow," said Gilbert.

McClelland comes to NSF Redzikowo following his most recent tour as commanding officer of Afloat Training Group Western Pacific in Yokosuka, Japan. He has more than 20 years of naval service as a surface warfare officer.

Some of his previous assignments include serving as executive officer in USS Lassen (82) in Yokosuka, Japan, and commanding officer of USS Lassen (DDG 82) from June 2012 to December 2013. His shore assignments included tours in the Joint Readiness, Training, and Exercise Division at U.S. European Command, Stuttgart, Germany, Warfare Requirements Directorate at U.S. Pacific Fleet, Pearl Harbor, HI.

"I look forward to continuing to build upon the strong relationships Capt. Gilbert has built at NSF Redzikowo and with our Polish partners," said McClelland.

As the newest U.S. Navy installation and first U.S. Navy installation in Poland, NSF Redzikowo is co-located with the Polish Force Protection Battalion.

NSF Redzikowo's operations enable the responsiveness of U.S. and allied forces in support of EURAFSWA's mission to provide services to the fleet, fighter, and family. To ensure security and stability in Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia, EURAFSWA provides operational platforms ashore which enable U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to be where and when they are needed.

For more news from Commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia, visit www.navy.mil/.