NSA commander passes helm

Published Sept. 28, 2015
By Pascual Flores
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --
Navy Capt. Christopher Bergen assumed command of Naval Support Activity-Lakehurst and responsibility as Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst deputy commander from Navy Capt. Christopher Fletcher during a change of command ceremony held here Sept. 25.

The ceremony took place on the flight deck of the Carrier Aircraft Launch and Support Systems Equipment Simulator, better known as CALASSES in historic Hangar One, in the presence of senior leaders, families, friends and NSA-Lakehurst service members.

Air Force Col. Frederick D. Thaden, JB MDL and 87th Air Base Wing commander, presided over the event.

Bergen, a native of Jefferson Township, New Jersey, graduated from Virginia Military Institute with a bachelor's degree in History and International Affairs. He was commissioned in May 1992 through the Navy ROTC program, completing his flight training in August 1993. In December 2000, Bergen received his master's degree in National Security for the Middle East and Southwest Asia.

"I have been graciously welcomed aboard this amazing installation, home of many different and varied commands, each calling JB MDL home," said Bergen. "This is by any measure the most 'joint' of joint bases. The men and women that call this base home deserve our very best, because our community, this state and our nation depend on them."

During his career as a Naval aviator, Bergen has flown EA-6B Prowler aircraft and served aboard six different aircraft carriers credited with more than 600 arrested landings and 180 combat missions. Bergen served in support of Operations Deny Flight, Southern Watch, Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. His most recent assignment was at U.S. Northern Command.

"Chris (Bergen) brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the team," said Thaden. "His ability to thrive in demanding and dynamic situations will be a great addition to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst."

For Fletcher, a Navy rotary wing aviator, it was only fitting the change of command and retirement ceremony be conducted on the CALASSES, the birthplace of Navy rotary wing aviation that dates back to 1948.

"Today is indeed a bittersweet day," Thaden said about bidding farewell to "The Fletch" after 27 years of Naval service. "You have served the U.S. Navy and the United States with honor, courage and commitment."

"We will miss your commentary at our weekly Wednesday staff call where you always predicted there would be a '100 percent chance of weather,'" Thaden joked. "While you never told us what kind of weather to expect, you still assured us that we would have weather during the coming week."

Thaden also took the opportunity to commend Fletcher for his accomplishments as NSA-Lakehurst commander, JB MDL's deputy commander and Team MDL's Navy senior service representative.

As he prepares for transition into the civilian world, Fletcher thanked the men and women of the joint base for their support as battle buddies, shipmates and wingmen.

"I'd like to thank the Airmen and civilians of the 87th ABW and 305th AMW, their groups, squadrons flights and senior enlisted leaders for taking care of the Sailors under our charge," said Fletcher. "They couldn't thrive here without their strong support."

After living in seven different states and three foreign countries, the Fletcher family are looking forward to finally settling down in Austin, Texas.

Meanwhile, Bergen takes over the helm Fletcher manned so faithfully, to lead the Sailors of JB MDL in the years to come.

"Challenge yourselves, challenge your shipmates," Bergen said. "The measure of our success is how well our joint partners are able to accomplish their mission."

"Shipmates, this is hard work and it is worth doing. Let's get to it."