Capt. Kevin Bertelsen assumed command of Naval Support Activity (NSA) Monterey from Capt. Timothy Faller during a ceremony at the installation, June 25.

After welcoming guests to the "finest Naval Support Activity in the Navy," Rear Adm. Patrick Lorge, commander, Navy Region Southwest, praised the accomplishments of the outgoing commanding officer and his team.

"The installation has matured and grown, proving itself a valuable host to several specialized tenant commands," Lorge said. "Captain Faller and his team embraced my guidance and executed my prescribed business lines, as the newest installation within Navy Region Southwest continues on its path of success."

The list of awards earned by the command include the 2014 Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Safety Award. The Environmental Division won both the 2014 SECNAV and Chief of Naval Operations Environmental Awards for Sustainability for a non-industrial base. The admiral explained why environmental sustainability is important for his region and the Navy.

"As energy costs continue to eat away at installation budgets, the importance of sustainable water supplies and renewable energy for the armed services will increase, along with a culture of conservation and community partnerships," he said. "Naval Support Activity Monterey is already implementing aggressive water and energy conservation measures."

In his last moments as commanding officer (CO) of the installation, Faller thanked the staff for their dedication.

"The key ingredient for success is present in this work force's pride in ownership. And they have the top Navy awards and accolades to back it up," he said. "They are the heart and soul of this installation. Thank you, team Monterey. I know you will keep up the good work for Captain Bertelsen."

Following those words, Faller saluted his relief, and transferred the absolute authority, responsibility and accountability of the command to Bertelsen.

Prior to the ceremony, Faller received the Legion of Merit medal for his performance as commanding officer of NSA Monterey from April 2014 to June 2015. He will report to the Department of Defense Office of Economic Adjustment.

Bertelsen, a native of Sacramento, California, reported to NSA Monterey from Command Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia, headquartered in Naples, Italy, where he was the chief of staff. The new commanding officer said he looks forward to leading the NSA Monterey team.

"I'm honored to have this opportunity to lead the finest Naval Support Activity in the Navy," he said. "I look forward to working alongside 'Team Monterey' to continue to provide world-class support to our tenants, and strengthen and build upon our already tremendous relationship with the greater Monterey community."

NSA Monterey supports more than 160 buildings and 15 tenant commands located on about 625 acres.

For more information about NSA Monterey, visit http://www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnrsw/installations/nsa_monterey.html

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