The commander of the Navy's 20-state Mid-Atlantic Region, Rear Adm. Rick Williamson, received his second star today and will be reassigned in March as Commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia (EURASWA), headquartered in Naples, Italy.

Williamson has been the Mid-Atlantic regional commander since September 2014.

U.S. Fleet Forces Commander, Adm. Phil Davidson, presented Williamson with his second star and frocked him to rear admiral (upper half) during a ceremony this morning at the Fleet headquarters in Norfolk.

Williamson's new assignment will provide shore service support to U.S. and allied forces and families in the Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia area of responsibility. Williamson will also serve as commander, Maritime Air Forces, Naples.

"My time in service has afforded me a wonderful opportunity to meet and work with talented professionals across this great country," Williamson said. "I look forward to continuing to support our fleet, fighter and family, not only here in Hampton Roads, but also worldwide."

Rear Adm. Jack Scorby, currently serving as the EURASWA commander will be the next commander of the Mid-Atlantic Region.

Williamson is a native of Jacksonville, Florida. He is a 1985 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, where he received a Bachelor of Science in computer science.

For more news from Commander, Navy Region Mid Atlantic, visit www.navy.mil/.