In a truly lovely setting along the water, with the patriotic sounds of the 56th Army Band wafting through the air, command of the Naval Ocean Processing Facility at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island was formally transferred last Thursday, Aug. 11.
Cmdr. Jason Vogt took over the reins of command from Cmdr. Marc Eckardt, who had been at the NOPF helm since June, 2010.
It was the 11th formal Change of Command for NOPF, which conducts continuous antisubmarine warfare and maritime domain awareness surveillance. The international force of 32 officers, 335 enlisted U.S. and Canadian soldiers and 17 civilians collects acoustic information on a 24-hour-a-day basis.
Guest speaker for the Change of Command was Capt. Charles Scott Rauch, Commander, Undersea Surveillance.
“You are fortunate to have had Marc (Eckardt) as commander of NOPF,” Rauch told the audience of fellow officers, community members, family and NOPF staff. “He is a truly gifted leader who has performed remarkably well during a challenging time.”
Rauch praised Eckardt’s leadership, mentioning he had achieved a 26 percent increase in the retention rate while at the head of NOPF and had an advancement rate higher than the Navy average during his tour. Rauch also took good-natured pride in the fact Eckardt had had what Rauch called a “breakthrough” — using the term “QSL” in a recent conversation. (“QSL” is submarine lingo for “acknowledge receipt.”)
All kidding aside, Rauch said Eckardt had ensured his command upheld the highest standards, laying the groundwork for continued readiness as Cmdr. Vogt takes over.
“You have big shoes to fill, but you are prepared,” Rauch said. “I’m looking forward to seeing NOPF flourish as you take the helm.”
Eckardt spoke briefly, sharing a few words for his friends, family and NOPF team.
“To the men and women of Naval Ocean Processing Facility Whidbey Island, we are one team, we have one fight,” he said. “Together you comprise one of the most capable ASW teams in the Navy.”
Eckhart ended his speech with words often heard in the Navy, but ones he felt appropriate for the occasion.
“I bid you fair winds and following seas,” he said.
Then it was time for the new NOPF commander to address the crowd. Vogt said the mission of the NOPF can be boiled down to three things — find, track and report.
“I know how important this mission is and how something so fundamentally simple can be so complicated,” he said. “There is no goal line to cross … someone here is always on watch. It is my goal to complete the mission while taking care of our people.
“It is my intention to exceed expectations,” Vogt continued. “To the men and women of NOPF, through your ongoing support, I look forward to moving forward and to this team finding success.”
