Naval Security Officers are experts in shipboard, expeditionary, installation, and nuclear weapons security.

They train their Sailors to protect people and assets. From this designator, however, very few make it to the rank of captain.

In fact, only two have had the distinct honor of being selected for captain and only one has been entrusted with all of the authorities commensurate with command. Capt. Ricky Gilbert has become the first security officer to command an installation when he took command of the Navy's newly-established installation, Naval Support Facility Redzikowo, Poland.

Gilbert enlisted in the Navy as a boiler technician in 1982. He eventually became a chief boiler technician and instructed steam engineering courses for division officers and department heads in Newport, Rhode Island. From there, he was selected for the limited duty officer program for surface engineering, where he advanced to the rank of lieutenant commander and served as chief engineer onboard amphibious transport dock USS Juneau (LPD 10). In 2004, he was selected for a lateral conversion from engineering to security, where he advanced to captain this year and became the senior security officer in the Navy.

With his unique and extensive experience, he commands NSF Redzikowo, which enables the Aegis Ashore Missile Defense System, Poland. As a persistent shore presence for the U.S. Navy in Europe, NSF Redzikowo will cooperate with Polish forces to strengthen relationships in order to increase peace and security throughout the region.

"This is a great opportunity to be able to be a commanding officer of an installation," said Gilbert. "I'm hoping it sets the precedence for other security officers to follow the same path."

With the extensive skill sets security officers gain throughout their careers, Gilbert said much of their training and experience allows them to be very competitive, and if applied correctly, prepared to command an installation.

"By the time our security officers make captain, they have the requisite skill sets and a very solid foundation," said Gilbert. "I hope I am just the first of many security officers who are given the opportunity for the charge of command."

During the next year of his command, Gilbert plans to focus a large part of his energy in strengthening relationships in Redzikowo.

"My focus is to continue to build a great Redzikowo team," Gilbert added. "We have incredible professionals assigned to the base with MDA (Missile Defense Agency), and the Army Corps of Engineers. We will continue to focus on the mission and move forward as one team. Our security forces will train and work with our Polish Force Battalion counterparts to ensure we continue to protect our people and assets. Staying focused on the mission is important, but I will also ensure the men and women of the base experience and appreciate the great culture, the history, and the people of Poland."

During the change of command ceremony, Rear Adm. Rick Williamson, commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia (EURAFSWA) assured the Polish and American audience of his confidence in Gilbert. Williamson stated Gilbert has the experience and technical acumen to keep this project on track and to build a strong team to keep the installation safe and secure.

"Capt. Gilbert has experience that makes him uniquely qualified for this assignment," said Williamson. "He is the United States Navy's first physical security specialist to be selected for command of a shore installation."

NSF Redzikowo's operations enable the responsiveness of U.S. and allied forces in support of Navy Region 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.

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