The Change of Command ceremony held on Thursday in the hangar of the Pacific Missile Range Facility saw Capt. Robert A. Prince relieve Capt. Brett A. Stevenson as the Commanding Officer.
The Change of Command ceremony is a time-honored naval tradition and serves as a visual representation of this important transfer of authority emphasizing the continuity of leadership and unity at PMRF, states a U.S. Navy press release.
Rear Admiral Stephen D. Barnett, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii, delivered a special presentation recognizing Stevenson’s distinguished service as Commanding Officer and citing his exceptional leadership and dedication to the command, its people and the community.
“Capt. Stevenson led a team that improved navy, joint and allied forces’ warfighting capabilities through unmatched training and testing,” Barnett said. “That is just one of many areas of success Capt. Stevenson’s commitment to the overall health and well-being of sailors, their families, and everyone who works at PMRF cannot be overstated. What is even more impactful is Capt. Stevenson’s passion — not just passion for his work — but also for the environment, the land, the culture and the community. Capt. Stevenson and the PMRF team take great pride in their role as caretakers of the cultural and natural resources entrusted to them. I have the utmost confidence in Capt. Prince to continue this great legacy and raise the bar for a culture of excellence, ready warfighters and committed members of the community.”
Barnett said Stevenson, in his retirement following 35 years of service, plans to start a vineyard.
Stevenson said that Kauai is unique to anywhere he had served during his 35 years in the Navy, and thanked his family, friends and the entire PMRF team for their support, trust and dedication to duty.
“My time here has been incredibly rewarding,” Stevenson said. “The kindness and support that this community has shown me is unparalleled. Capt. Prince, you’re going to develop relationships here that will last for the rest of your life. The connections I have made here have ingrained in me my kuleana, or responsibility, to the aina, our ohana, and the safety of not only our great nation at large, but also the families right here on Kauai. I am proud to say that I am not giving up my kuleana but sharing it with my successor, Capt. Prince.”
Prince is reporting from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, where he served as the Chief of Staff for the installation.
“I am excited for the opportunity to serve as the Commanding Officer at PMRF,” Prince said. “It is an honor to serve at a command that is so embedded in the local community while being the keystone in maintaining our status as the greatest fighting force the world has ever seen. I look forward to strengthening the bonds PMRF has formed with our community, our allies and our partners.”
Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami led the community in attendance, including the Kauai County Council, staff members from U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz’s office, the new Veterans Representative from U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono, and from the community, the Kauai Chamber of Commerce, the Kauai Filipino Chamber of Commerce, and private agricultural organizations.
“It is an honor to join our partners as PMRF for today’s Change of Command ceremony — one that symbolizes the strength of leadership and the deep bonds between our military and our community,” Kawakami said. “Capt. Stevenson leaves behind a legacy of excellence and collaboration that has made a lasting impact on Kauai. On behalf of the County of Kauai, and the Office of the Mayor, we extend our heartfelt mahalo and best wishes on your retirement. To Capt. Prince, we welcome you with aloha and look forward to continuing this vital partnership as we work together to safeguard our island and support the people who call it home.”
