CHIPS Articles: U.S. Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station Far East Holds Change of Command

Rear Admiral Gene F. Price, deputy commander for U.S. Fleet Cyber Command/U.S. 10th Fleet presided over the ceremony, during which Captain Matthew H. Welsh relieved Captain Katherine A. Mayer as commanding officer of NCTSFE.

During her speech, Capt. Mayer reflected that "this has been the most professionally and personally rewarding tour of my 28-year naval career. I attribute that to the impressively professional workforce that comprises NCTS Far East, the strong friendships that I have built here and the fascinating culture and friendly people of this beautiful country of Japan."

Captain Mayer will report for her new assignment as the director for Afloat and Ashore Modernization and Integration at Navy Information Dominance Forces, in Suffolk, Virginia.

Captain Welsh became the 33rd Commanding Officer of NCTSFE, following a tour as Information Operations Warfare Commander for Carrier Strike Group 10 embarked on board USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). During his speech, he spoke to Team Far East with these words: "It is my distinct professional and personal honor and privilege to serve as your commanding officer. From the latest cyber issues to very old physical infrastructure, new capabilities for unit relocation, and an unforgiving fiscal environment, we will continue to rise to every challenge. Our efforts directly support sustained improvements in network security and command and control capability for our war fighting partners afloat and ashore."

The mission of NCTSFE is to provide reliable, available and secure communications and information technology services critical to naval success in the Far East region, which encompasses nine locations and four time zones. NCTSFE supports 10 Flag Officer commands and 11 other major commands throughout the Far East region.

For more news from Commander, U.S. Fleet Cyber Command/U.S. 10th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/FCCC10F/.