The Program Executive Office for Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (PEO C4I) and PEO Space Systems (PEO SS) held a change of command, Feb. 24.

Rear Adm. Carl Chebi relieved Rear Adm. Christian "Boris" Becker during a ceremony held onboard Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command's (SPAWAR) Old Town Complex. Becker assumed PEO C4I and PEO Space Systems, July 2013, and will assume command of SPAWAR from Rear Adm. Dave Lewis at the end of March.

Principal Military Deputy for the Assistant Secretary of the Navy Research, Development and Acquisition, Vice Adm. David C. Johnson, served as the presiding officer and provided opening remarks.

"I am honored to be here today to oversee the transition of command between two of the Navy's finest," said Johnson. "Boris has achieved some amazing accomplishments as C4I and Space Systems, and I know 'Chebs' is ready to continue the great work achieved so far."

Guest speaker Adm. Michael S. Rogers, commander of U.S. Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM), director of the National Security Agency (NSA), and chief of the Central Security Service (CSS), echoed Johnson and spoke highly of Becker's contributions to the Navy and C4I and Space acquisition.

"The criticality of the products and services that PEO C4I and PEO Space Systems deliver to our warfighters in defense of this nation cannot be overstated, and I thank you for your service," said Rogers.

During his speech, Becker leveraged his experience in space and communications engineering, as well as acquisition management, and how these areas of expertise will continue to drive his vision for increased efficiency in the development, acquisition, and delivery of C4I systems, products, and services. He also recognized his success does not belong to just him, but the many employees who have worked for and alongside him.

"Success of this magnitude is a team sport," Becker explained. "It cannot be achieved alone."

As PEO C4I and PEO SS, Becker led the acquisition efforts of 11 program offices delivering integrated communication and information technology and space systems capabilities. Among them was the acquisition and delivery of the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) providing improved, dependable global communications to expeditionary and maritime forces, and the deployment and installation of the Navy's next generation Consolidated Afloat Network Enterprise System (CANES).

In closing, Becker said, "Admiral Chebi, I leave you in good hands; the watch is yours."

After serving as vice commander, Naval Air Systems Command, Chebi was excited to get started in his role as PEO C4I and PEO SS. Chebi's career as a pilot is extensive and he served as program manager for two aviation program offices.

"To the men and women of C4I and Space, I couldn't be happier to be joining this outstanding team," said Chebi. "Our success is defined by delivering the right capability, at the right cost, at the right time, to ensure the fleet can successfully execute their mission and return home safely."

Following the change of command, attendees toured several PEO C4I and PEO SS demonstration booths. Mock-ups of the MUOS system and Nanosats showcased PEO SS major programs. Other systems on hand were CANES, the Battlespace Exploitation of Mixed Reality lab, the Graphical Data Fusion System, and a Littoral Battlespace Sensing Unmanned Undersea Vehicle.

PEO C4I provides integrated communication and information technology systems which enable information warfare and command and control of maritime forces. PEO C4I acquires, fields, and supports C4I systems which extend across Navy, joint, and coalition platforms. This includes managing acquisition programs and projects which cover all C4I disciplines: applications, networks, communications, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems for afloat platforms and shore commands.

PEO Space Systems develops, acquires, integrates, launches, tests, and supports seamless space systems capability for the Department of Defense and U.S. agencies. PEO Space Systems coordinates all Department of the Navy space research, development, and acquisition activities. Their products and services enable joint, coalition, combined, and naval operations.

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For more news from Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, visit http://www.navy.mil/.