A change of command ceremony was held on Dec. 16 at the White Beach Naval Facility in Uruma City, Okinawa. Captain Patrick Dziekan took office as the new Commander, Fleet Activities Okinawa (CFAO). His tour is expected to be three years. Captain Dziekan said, “We will play an important role in maintaining free and open navigation in the Indo-Pacific together with the Maritime Self-Defense Force and the United Nations forces.”

After the ceremony, Captain Dziekan said to the press, “This region is important geographically. We have an important role to play as a good neighbor and in support of the alliance.” Rear Admiral Carl Lahti, Commander of U.S. Naval Forces Japan, attended the ceremony.