ORLANDO, Fla. – Capt. Steven Nakagawa relieved Capt. Bill “Roto” Reuter as commanding officer of the Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (NAWCTSD) and Naval Support Activity Orlando during a change of command ceremony on June 1.

The ceremony was held at 10 a.m. in front of NSA Orlando's de Florez Complex before a standing-room only audience of more than 600 people.

Navy Rear Admiral Joseph W. Rixey, Director of Navy International Programs, who previously served with Reuter, was the keynote speaker at the ceremony.

During his remarks, Rixey discussed the importance of NAWCTSD and NSA Orlando, "I've walked in your shoes as one of those who tried to meet high fidelity requirements with low fidelity budgets," he said. "I know firsthand as an operator, and a program manager how critical your efforts and your systems are to meet (NAWCTSD's) vision to enhance the capabilities of the nation's warfighters. And I can say from experience that you do just that."

Rixey highlighted the many contribution of NAWCTSD to not only the United States Navy, but also to allied forces. "Hallmark cases include Iraqi Navy surface support (where NAWCTSD provided) training systems for recently purchased patrol boats. This was a relatively low cost effort with a high return on engagement."

Another example Rixey cited is the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet for Australia. "NAWCTSD is providing training and training systems with a very high return on investment and engagement, a significant part of the strategic pivot in the Pacific is dependent on this close ally," Rixey said. He also cited several other examples of NAWCTSD's cooperation with international military forces. "I am grateful for the skill and professionalism of your entire team. NAWCTSD's outstanding results not only enhance partner nation warfighter readiness, they enhance the stature of the United States Navy, provide the background for our military to military relationships, and advance and secure the strategic interests of our nation. I will tell all that NAWCTSD is a national treasure."

Commander, Naval Air Systems Command, Vice Admiral David Architzel served as the reporting official during the ceremony and presented Reuter with a Legion of Merit medal for his service.

Closing his remarks, Reuter thanked all who attended and all who worked to organize the ceremony. Pointing out all of the representatives of the various military, government and academic modeling and simulation organizations that make up "Team Orlando," Reuter said, "it's just an amazing affiliation of great organizations. I'm glad to have been a part of that (team) for the past four years."

Reuter pointed out his appreciation for the people who make up the team, "the quality of people, and the quality of the relationships between the people in state, local and federal government, and also in the community and industry."

Following Navy tradition and protocol, Reuter read his retirement orders, and then Nakagawa read his orders to report as commanding officer of NAWCTSD and NSA Orlando. Shortly after 11 a.m., Nakagawa saluted Reuter and with the words "I relieve you sir," assumed command.

Nakagawa's first line of business as commanding officer was to show his appreciation for the people who make up NAWCTSD and NSA Orlando. "Today is not about me, it's a celebration of the people of NAWCTSD and NSA Orlando," he said during his first remarks as Commanding Officer. "It's my long standing belief that the most important part of any organization is the people who comprise it. One of my highest priorities will be serving you. I expect that we will work together with the highest levels of integrity and a commitment to innovation as we strive to maintain the highest levels of training systems excellence."

Nakagawa paid tribute to Reuter for his service, saying "It is also a celebration of the successful and inspiration leadership of Captain Reuter. Roto, thank you for your service to NAWCTSD and to our great nation. If you measure a leader's success by the accomplishments of the team he lead, then Captain Reuter is a rock star."

The ceremony marked Reuter's retirement from active duty following nearly 28 years of honorable service.

While not included as part of the ceremony, the duties of executive officer were assumed by Capt. Frank W. Naylor, III who recently reported to the command from his duties as Joint Efficiencies Integrated Product Team Lead at NAVAIR PMA-262 in Patuxent River, Md.