Capt. Robert Cepek relieved Capt. Michael Sparks as commander of Coastal Riverine Group 2 during a time-honored change of command ceremony at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story (JEBLC-FS) April 29.

Rear Adm. Frank Morneau, Commander, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, was the guest speaker for the ceremony.

In his remarks, Morneau praised Sparks for his exceptional performance while in command of CRG 2.

"Capt. Sparks brilliantly led his staff and group of active and reserve squadrons from the concept of a CORIVGRU to a fully, functionally operational command, capable of executing combatant commander requirements," said Morneau. "His diligence in the training, evaluation and certification of over 2,000 Sailors led to the successful execution of various operations and deployments to the areas of responsibilities of every combatant command."

Morneau presented Sparks with the Legion of Merit, gold star in lieu of second award, for his performance as commander of CRG 2.

"The men and women of the Coastal Riverine Force make me proud each day," said Sparks. "I will miss the mission but look forward to continuing to serve within the expeditionary forces at Navy Expeditionary Warfighting Development Center."

In June, Sparks is scheduled to take command of Navy Expeditionary Warfighting Development Center at JEBLC-FS.

According to the award citation, while in command of CRG 2, Sparks "guided the Mark VI Fleet Introduction Team in the development of a post-fleet delivery training plan, resulting in four fully qualified boat crews for its maiden deployment and thus setting the standard for future crews."

During Sparks' tenure, CRG 2 took ownership of the first two of 12 Mark VI Patrol Boats, Sept. 8, 2015.

Sparks was also instrumental in the delivery of two Mark VI Patrol Boats to Commander Task Force 56, based in Bahrain, March 2016, as well as two other patrol boats, which are scheduled to arrive in Guam late 2016.

Cepek served as the deputy commander to the commander of CRG 2 and thanked Sparks for his leadership and mentorship.

"I am honored to take command of CRG 2 and look to build upon the great work Capt. Sparks accomplished during his tenure," said Cepek.

The CORIVFOR operates in harbors, rivers, bays, across the littorals and ashore. The primary mission of CORIVFOR is to conduct maritime security operations across all phases of military operations by defending high value assets, critical maritime infrastructure, ports and harbors both inland and on coastal waterways against enemies and when commanded conduct offensive combat operations.

CORIVFOR is a component of NECC and provides flexible responsive maritime security forces capable of performing high level security.

For more news from Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, visit http://www.navy.mil/.