SILVERDALE, Wash. (NNS) -- Capt. Ben Miller relieved Capt. Chad Brooks as Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Northwest during a change of command ceremony on board Naval Base Kitsap Bangor July 9.
Miller also assumes responsibility as Navy Region Northwest regional engineer.
“As the Navy’s shore Systems Command, we owe it to the Fleet and our country to move with speed and agility; with a sense of urgency in execution of our mission. With an eye on safety always, we must remain flexible, adaptable, and ready to move forward together,” said Miller.
Miller is well-familiar with Navy Region Northwest, having served as assistant regional engineer and NAVFAC Northwest executive officer since 2018. He began his Navy career as a surface warfare officer in 1998, and in 2004 became a Civil Engineer Corps officer. Miller has deployed to Iraq and the Horn of Africa, and completed an overseas assignment at Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan.
While leading NAVFAC Northwest since 2018, Brooks led efforts to support major platforms such as the Columbia-class submarine, Triton, Growler and FFG(X). He also led the command in preparing for future projects such as shipyard modernization at Naval Base Kitsap.
“We enjoy tremendous relationships with our supported installation commanding officers, and the commanders and commanding officers of our major supported commands including Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, SWFPAC, NUWC Keyport, Naval Hospital Bremerton, the Reserve Component Command, and many others. Thank you all for your partnership,” said Brooks.
Due to social distancing precautions, the ceremony was limited to the official party, but was live-streamed to employees, friends and family.
“I have witnessed the professionalism of NAVFAC Northwest personnel and I am confident our team is more than ready for what lies ahead. Our personnel are our greatest asset and your contributions are the key to our success,” said Miller.