Capt. Ken Wallace relieved Capt. Ron Piret as commanding officer of the Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO) at the command’s 76th change of command ceremony, held April 29, at Stennis Space Center, Miss.

Speaking into a camera, as the ceremony was filmed for later distribution to the 700-member command, Piret discussed NAVOCEANO’s resilience despite the current COVID-19 pandemic. “Regardless of the challenge, we remain committed and we remain optimistic, solving our own problems with the resources at hand with integrity and with the knowledge that by doing so we earn the trust of the nation and the Fleet every day.”

Piret went on to thank his family, his mentors, and the NAVOCEANO employees who have been by his side since taking the helm in January 2018, as well as the countless Sailors and civilians that have dedicated their careers to naval oceanography for nearly two centuries. “Since 1830, naval oceanography has derived its relevance and worth from the men and women who dedicate themselves to the cause…Serving with all of you, my understanding of service has broadened and my commitment to serve has deepened.”

Wallace reported to NAVOCEANO from the Pentagon, where he served as executive assistant to the Oceanographer of the Navy. Assuming command, he expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead NAVOCEANO, thanking the mentors who helped guide his career path, and  his wife and children who have wholeheartedly supported him along the way.

Commander, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command (COMNAVMETOCCOM), Rear Adm. John Okon, presided over the ceremony and presented Piret with the Legion of Merit medal for his outstanding leadership over the last two years in command of NAVOCEANO. Piret will remain stationed at Stennis Space Center, where he will assume the role of chief of staff for COMNAVMETOCCOM.

NAVOCEANO, comprised of approximately 700 military, civilian and contractor personnel, uses a variety of platforms including ships, aircraft, satellite sensors, buoys and unmanned underwater vehicles to collect oceanographic and hydrographic data from the world’s oceans.

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