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Navy Region Southeast Reserve Component Command Jax holds Change of Command

Naval Air Station Jacksonville Public Affairs Office
Posted 7/30/21

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Navy Region Southeast Reserve Component Command Jacksonville (NAVREG SE RCC JAX) held a change of command and retirement ceremony at Naval Station Mayport, July 30. Capt. …

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Navy Region Southeast Reserve Component Command Jax holds Change of Command


Posted

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Navy Region Southeast Reserve Component Command Jacksonville (NAVREG SE RCC JAX) held a change of command and retirement ceremony at Naval Station Mayport, July 30. Capt. Richard B. Thomas relieved Capt. Dale W. Maxey as commander of NAVREG SE RCC JAX.

   Maxey, a native of Kell, Illinois, retired after 39 years of dedicated service to the U.S. Navy was recognized on a successful career including most recently for his leadership of NAVREG SE RCC JAX and 19 Navy Operational Support Centers (NAVOPSPTCENs) in his region.

   Under Maxey’s command, NAVREG SE RCC JAX mobilized more than 6,000 Selected Reservists to locations around the world to include more than 1,300 Sailors activated for the national Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) response efforts. As part of the Commander’s Navy Reserve Mobilize the Force efforts, NAVREG SE RCC JAX also developed a mobilization team capable of supporting any national contingency.

   Reflecting on his many years of service, Maxey said, “I am continually amazed by the flexibility and adaptability of our Navy Sailors, reservists and civilians, regardless of the task. Over my career, this has been a constant and I am proud to have been a member of the team.”

   During the ceremony, Maxey thanked the NAVREG SE RCC JAX staff and the 19 NAVOPSPTCENs commanding officers. He also welcomed Thomas and wished him well.

   Thomas enlisted in the United States Navy in 1987 and was selected for the Broadened Opportunity for Officer Selection and Training program. He graduated from the University of Arizona in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. He was designated a naval aviator in March 1996. Over his 30 years of naval service, Thomas has served on four helicopter squadrons, flew over 2,600 mishap-free flight hours and served at multiple commands ashore. He most recently relinquished command of NAVOPSPTCEN San Antonio, Texas.

   “It is my distinct honor and privilege to assume command of this outstanding region of professionals,” Thomas said, and thanked Maxey for his leadership.  

   Guest speaker, Rear Adm. John. A. Schommer, commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command said of Maxey and Thomas’ dedication and leadership abilities,  “Command is a job of immense personal satisfaction…and unrelenting pressure. Command is a privilege bestowed upon only a select group of officers; it is also the most solemn duty a naval officer will ever undertake. A position most officers consider the pinnacle of their career. And a position well-earned by Dale and Richard.”