Released by the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Divsion Public Affairs Office, China Lake, CA.

America’s naval service began during the American Revolution in the year 1775 with a few small ships authorized by the Continental Congress.

Parading of colors, piping aboard and official military traditions will continue Monday, Aug. 30, when Rear Adm. (select) Mark Skinner will take command from Rear Adm. David J. Venlet of the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division at China Lake and Point Mugu, CA. The official ceremony is open to the public and will be held at the NAWS base chapel at 9 a.m.

As Skinner becomes the Weapons Division commander, Venlet will replace Rear Adm. James Godwin as the Program Executive Officer for Tactical Aircraft Programs at Patuxent River, MD.

A native of Houston, Texas, Skinner graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1977 with a B.S. degree in Naval Architecture, and in 1993 as a Conrad Scholar from Naval Postgraduate School. He also received the Dept. of the Navy award for excellence in Financial Management and the Rear Adm. Thomas R. McClellan award for excellence in Administrative Sciences.

Contact Doris Lance, 760-939-4587, for official biographies, questions or photographs of Rear Adm. (select) Mark Skinner and Rear Adm. David J. Venlet.

Photo of: Rear Adm.(select) Mark Skinner to become Commander Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Divsion on Monday, Aug. 30.