JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Capt. John Kemna relinquished command of Fleet Readiness Center Southeast (FRCSE) to Executive Officer Capt. Chuck Stuart July 10 during a change of command ceremony at Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville.

FRCSE is the largest tenant command aboard NAS Jacksonville and has more than 3,500 military and civilian employees. Kemna served as the command’s executive officer from 2011 to 2013 and assumed command in July 2013.

Stuart was commissioned in 1991 upon graduation from the U. S. Naval Academy and was subsequently designated a naval aviator in December 1993.  As a lieutenant, he flew the CH/MH-53E Super Stallion helicopters with Combat Support Squadron 4 (HC-4) in Sigonella, Italy and performed search and rescue duties in the HH-1N Huey helicopter at NAS Meridian, Mississippi.

While assigned to HC-4, Stuart flew missions throughout the Mediterranean Sea and Persian Gulf, supporting seven carrier battle groups and six amphibious readiness group deployments.

Stuart holds a Master of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Maryland and a Master of Business Administration degree from Mississippi State University.

“Barbara and I are extremely excited and honored to be a part of this community and part of the Fleet Readiness Center Southeast family,” said Stuart. “We will do our utmost to continue to provide quality support to the men and women supporting our nation’s defense."

Stuart is no stranger to FRC business. From 2008 to 2011, he served as the executive officer and commanding officer of Fleet Readiness Center Western Pacific in Atsugi, Japan, where he provided depot-level aircraft support to the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, Carrier Air Wing 5, naval vessels and Marine squadrons deploying outside the continental United States. Prior to assuming his role as the executive officer of FRCSE in 2013, Stuart served as the chief of staff for Commander, Fleet Readiness Centers (COMFRC).

In his speech, Rear Adm. Paul Sohl, COMFRC, said Stuart will uphold the high standards set by Kemna, and he will continue to succeed as he has in previous assignments.

“I’m pleased that you have assumed command of FRCSE,” Sohl said to Stuart. “This will be an increasingly challenging assignment going forward. Build upon the efforts and successes of your predecessor. Draw upon your intuition, experience and can-do attitude – they will serve you and the command well.”

The change of command signified Kemna’s retirement from the Navy following 26 years of honorable and faithful service. Kemna spoke to ceremony attendees saying that he looks forward to the future and he is confident FRCSE and the Navy are in good hands.

“I want to thank the men and women on the FRCSE team,” Kemna said. “This tour has been very rewarding for Stacia and I and we have enjoyed every minute of it. The successes we have seen here at FRCSE are a direct reflection of your hard work and dedication. Thank you for a job well done.”

During Kemna’s tenure, FRCSE returned numerous aircraft, engines and components to the Navy and Marine Corps fleet. The command also received several environmental, safety and manufacturing awards, including the 2014 CNO Environmental Quality, Industrial Installation Award, and the 2014 CNO Aviation Safety Award.

Kemna looks forward to spending quality time with his family at their home in Jacksonville.