Capt. Raymond J. Benedict turned over command of Center for Security Forces to Capt. Stephen S. Erb April 21 during a change of command ceremony at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story in Virginia Beach.

The Center for Security Forces (CENSECFOR) is one of 12 learning centers within Naval Education and Training Command. It provides specialized training to more than 23,000 students each year and its motto is "Where Training Breeds Confidence."

Rear Adm. Michael S. White, commander, Naval Education and Training Command, served as guest speaker.

"The motto of NETC is 'Fleet Readiness Starts Here' and the outstanding training that is developed and delivered by CENSECFOR exemplifies that motto," said White. "Under the guiding hand of Capt. Raymond Benedict the results have been nothing short of spectacular. Ray, your team has provided critical antiterrorism, security force, code of conduct, and expeditionary skills training to more than 60 thousand Sailors, Marines, and other service members. We live in an increasingly dangerous world and as our enemies find different ways for striking at our military, your team quickly and effectively adapted training to meet new fleet identified requirements. It is a tremendous amount of work and what you have done will positively impact our Navy and our nation for years to come."

Benedict expressed the significance of CENSECFOR training and that he has loved serving as commanding officer for the past 3 years.

"These events have all occurred in the last three years-USS Mahan shooting, the Washington Navy Yard and Chattanooga shootings at U.S. Navy Recruiting Center and Reserve Centers. Riverine boats and crews detained off Farsi Island. Gate running incidents at Navy installations, maritime interdiction operations and most recently, a murder-suicide at Joint Base San Antonio, home to our own Naval Technical Training Center Lackland. These serve as sobering reminders about the vital importance of the training provided by the Center for Security Forces," said Benedict.

"As I have explained my job to friends both in and out of the Navy, they are always in awe when I give them the laundry list of everything we do. It usually follows with a comment like, 'you must have the best job in the Navy,'" said Benedict. "I agree, it is the best job in the Navy, but after 37 months, it is time for me to turn over command to an extremely capable and impressive officer, Capt. Stephen Erb."

During his remarks Erb noted the excellent image of the training command.

"Across the waterfront, your reputation is one of unmatched professionalism and expertise and having met you in person, you have exceeded that reputation," said Erb. "Thank you, Ray, for your outstanding dedication to the mission and Sailors of CENSECFOR. You have set a high standard that I will do my best to uphold moving forward. Fair winds and following seas to you and your family as you head to Fleet Forces to shape the Navy's Anti-Terrorism policies for the future."

Erb is the sixth naval officer to hold the reigns of CENSECFOR as its commanding officer. He is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and the Naval War College. He holds a master's degree in national security and strategic studies (with distinction) and a degree in computer science.

For more information about the Center for Security Forces, visit us at http://www.navy.mil/local/csf.

For more news from the Center for Security Forces, visit us at www.navy.mil.

Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CENSECFORHQ.