Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Marianas held a change of command ceremony Aug. 28 in the gymnasium of the former Cmdr. William C. McCool Elementary/Middle School on Naval Base Guam.

During this time-honored naval tradition, command authority was transferred from Capt. Glenn A. Shepard, a Civil Engineer Corps (CEC) officer, to Capt. Stephanie M. Jones, CEC. Amid friends, family and colleagues, Shephard acknowledged more than 400 military and civilian professionals of NAVFAC Marianas for extraordinary achievements over the past two years.

"The men and women of NAVFAC Marianas deserve pause in celebration for enabling our supported commanders' mission success," said Shephard. "They magnificently executed the program of record at the fastest pace, put construction work in place; they relentlessly pursued excellence against unique cultural and natural resource requirements, improved utility and facility conditions and configurations, and brought fidelity and auditability to asset and financial control programs."

Shephard was presented a Legion of Merit award for exceptional meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service. His inspirational leadership and mission focus directly contributed to the operational readiness of U.S. Pacific Fleet and Navy shore activities throughout the Mariana Islands. His leadership was vital to significant, tangible progress on the Defense Policy Review Initiative to relocate 5,000 Marines from Okinawa to Guam. He flawlessly delivered $1.4 billion in construction projects, including wharf improvements enabling cold iron vessel berthing, aircraft ramp space and utilities supporting the relocation of III Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) Aviation Combat Element (ACE) and base operating support services.

In addition to his duties as commanding officer of NAVFAC Marianas, Shephard served as the regional engineer for Joint Region Marianas (JRM). He expertly oversaw construction of the $165 million Naval Hospital Guam replacement project spanning 280,000 square feet that increased patient capacity, provided full diagnostic capability and featured 17 percent in energy savings as well as 40 percent in water reduction.

Shephard also played a key leadership role in aligning the Department of Navy (DoN) and the Guam Power Authority (GPA) renewable energy goals. Under his leadership, the Navy's Renewable Energy Program Office (REPO) successfully booked 45 megawatts combined wind/solar renewable energy contributing to the Secretary of the Navy's goal of 1 gigawatt of renewable energy, while enhancing energy security and driving down operating costs for JRM.

"I really like the focus out here in the project's vision and the alignment with the Guam Power Authority," said NAVFAC Pacific Commander Rear Adm. Bret Muilenburg, ceremonial guest speaker. "I thank the government of Guam, the Public Utilities Commission and Guam Power for the aligned vision and support on this."

Muilenburg further recognized Shephard for his countless accomplishments then extended a warm welcome to Jones. "NAVFAC Marianas is a tremendous organization which continues to expertly execute important and difficult work for JRM," said Muilenburg. "I am very thankful to be able to serve alongside such professionals and I thank all of you for your unwavering dedication to the defense of our nation and our way of life."

Since completing Civil Engineer Corps Officers School she has held numerous assignments and leadership positions both on the U.S. Mainland and overseas. Immediately prior to reporting to NAVFAC Marianas she served as the executive officer for NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic. Jones grew up in Annandale, Virginia. She is a qualified Seabee Combat Warfare Officer and a registered Professional Engineer in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

"There's an old saying," said Jones. "Be grateful for the doors of opportunity and for the friends who oiled the hinges," she said. "I am grateful for this opportunity and it never would have been possible had I not received encouragement and support throughout my career."

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