By Daphne Burke, NADEP Public Affairs Specialist

"Changes of command mark milestones in the lives of leaders and organizations. We gather at these events to celebrate the accomplishments and guidance of the exiting leader, express optimism for the fresh energy and ideas of the successor, and as in this case, bid farewell to a fine officer." These were the opening remarks of Vice Adm. Joseph W. Dyer, Commander, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), guest speaker at the Naval Air Depot Jacksonville (NADEP JAX) Change of Command Ceremony held at 10 a.m. on January 28 in Hangar 140.

After the reading of orders and assumption of command, Captain Karl E. Yeakel thanked participants Navy Chaplain Lieutenant Kirk Crocco, Vice Admiral Joseph Dyer, Assistant Commander for Aviation Depots Rear Admiral Stephen C. Heilman, and particularly Captain Roum.

" … I can only hope to give back to this great command what you have given to me. Your sound counsel, leadership, and most of all, your friendship will stay with me throughout the remainder of my naval career and my life," Captain Yeakel said.

He went on to say that, "NADEP JAX brings to the table the best that any industry has to offer, a business mindset about cost control and improving efficiency, a business-like relationship with our customers, internal and external to the Navy, and employment of cutting edge business practices. We have all the right tools, all the right people.

"The NADEP JAX has come an exceptionally long way in a very short time. I like to look at the future in a similar way that an athlete runs a race. You never look back, and you never give up. As it has always been, the fleet will continue to depend upon the NAVAIR team to deliver all that we promise: quality products at the right cost, at the right time, all the time," he added.

Captain Christopher J. Roum, outgoing NADEP JAX Commanding Officer, assumed command of NADEP JAX on June 22, 2000, after 18 months as Executive Officer. Under Captain Roum's leadership, Naval Air Depot Jacksonville's (NADEP JAX) accomplishments were many, including the implementation of the Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP II) program across all product lines and the NADEP-wide ISO 9001: 2000 certification. These accomplishments are major milestones that will contribute to the continued successful operations of the Depot.

In addition, NADEP JAX received several awards under Captain Roum, such as the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Occupational Safety and Health Award, the CNO Environmental Award (second award), the CNO Aviation Safety Award (second consecutive year), the Rear Adm. Thompson Award for Excellence in Public Affairs; and NAVAIR Commander's Awards for Supporting the Warfighter, for Resources and Affordability Achievement, and for Supporting Our People.

Captain Roum had many good things to say about his years spent serving in the U. S. Navy and his time spent at the Depot. "The list of people I need to recognize is lengthy and time precludes me from naming all of them here. You know who you are, and I hope I have recognized each of you in some other way," Captain Roum said. "Suffice it to say that the skill and tenacity of your artisans, the dedication and perseverance of your managers, the inventiveness of your engineers and logisticians, and the vision and faith of your senior leadership defines your commitment to quality, safety, environmental stewardship, and business integrity."

Captain Roum's remarks to NADEP employees continued. "Your willingness to embrace change, and your unselfish dedication to a cause bigger than yourselves is well documented in your successful application of business process reengineering, implementation of manufacturing resource planning, plant-wide certification under ISO 9000 standards, and your enthusiasm to investigate and implement government and industry partnerships. You have shown great courage to think out of the box and take some risk. As a result, you have defined NADEP JAX as leader in the maintenance, repair, and overhaul industry, and a dedicated national resource," Captain Roum added. He also challenged NADEP JAX employees to maintain demonstrated passion for serving the fleet and warfighter.

Captain Roum's awards include: the Navy Achievement Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal (with two gold stars), the Navy Meritorious Service Medal (with one gold star), the Department of Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and the Legion of Merit, which was awarded at the Change of Command ceremony.

Captain Yeakel ended the ceremony with these remarks: may God bless all of you, the Unites States Navy, and, this great nation. … Thank you for attending the ceremony. With that, Captain Roum and Captain Yeakel cut the ceremonial cake, and the Change of Command was complete.