Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet Changes Leadership

From Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- During a change of command and retirement ceremony aboard USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), Vice Adm. Melvin G. Williams Jr. was relieved as Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet and Director, Combined Joint Operations from the Sea Center of Excellence (CJOS) by Vice Adm. Daniel P. Holloway Aug. 12.

The change of command also served as a retirement ceremony for Williams after 32 years of naval service as a commissioned officer.

As 2nd Fleet commander since 2008, Williams was responsible for the operations and training of 130 ships and submarines, the assigned aircraft and expeditionary forces – including four carrier strike groups, four Amphibious Ready Groups and three Marine Expeditionary Units. Williams also served as director, Combined Joint Operations from the Sea Centre of Excellence, a NATO-support organization with 13 member nations.

Addressing the audience, Williams thanked the many people who supported 2nd Fleet's mission and vision.

"As a result of the tireless and highly effective efforts of our staff, our commanders, and our troops, it is my assessment that our vision has been realized and our mission was accomplished with a high level of excellence," he said.

Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Adm. J.C. Harvey, Jr. presided over the ceremony, praised Williams' contributions, and welcomed Holloway.

"A truly special part of today's ceremony is the personal relationship I have with both these officers - I've served with them both over the years and am proud to call them my friends. They are officers of exceptional talent, truly dedicated professionals who have rendered great service to their nation," said Harvey.

Prior to assuming command as the 48th U.S. 2nd Fleet commander, Holloway most recently served as director, Manpower, Personnel, Training and Education (N13). He is a 1978 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and was the Carrier Strike Group 12/USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Strike Group commander from February 2007 to August 2008.

"I am very happy to be back in Norfolk – the quintessential Navy town. It will be a pleasure to work again with Second Fleet and our Hampton Roads community – the standard-bearers for Fleet and Family support," Holloway said during the ceremony.

"I couldn't ask for a more superior team to lead or better shoes to fill. I join you all in wishing VADM Williams and his family 'fair winds and following seas'. We thank him for a lifetime of service and a legacy that will serve us and all future Sailors well," said Holloway.