MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Capt. James D. Bahr relieved Capt. William T. Cox Jr. as Navy Recruiting Command (NRC) Region East commodore during a change of command ceremony, July 19.
Cox was instrumental to Navy recruiting since becoming the commodore of Navy Recruiting Region East in August, 2015. Under his leadership, Region East enlisted approximately 30,000 Sailors and commissioned 3,000 officers both active and reserve. Working with each commanding officer assigned to Region East’s area of responsibility, he assisted in the transformation of two of the 26 Navy Recruiting Districts (NRDs) that fall under Region East into the new recruiting model Navy Talent Acquisition Groups (NTAGs).
Cox enlisted into the Navy in 1983 and served a little over four years on a fast-attack submarine as an Electronics Technician. He was selected for the Enlisted Commissioning Program in 1989 and went to Auburn University. He graduated with a bachelor of science degree in 1992, and he was designated a naval aviator in 1995.
Since his commissioning, he’s worked at a myriad of commands and accumulated more than 3,500 flight hours on a variety of helicopters.
Following the change of command ceremony, Cox will begin his well-earned retirement after 35 years of service.
“This is a special day in many ways,” said Cox. “I worked hard, I showed up on time, and when the doors of opportunity opened, I went through them. I was very fortunate to work for people who mentored me, and allowed me to make mistakes and learn. I have served on submarines, air craft carriers, and piloted helicopters. I have flown in the mountains of Fallon, Nev., and the deserts of Iraq and Afghanistan. I had the privilege of commanding my own squadron and thousands of Sailors that make up Navy Recruiting Region East. I have no regrets.”
Cox’s relief as commodore of Navy Recruiting Region East has a background as diverse as his predecessor and expresses his honor and excitement to lead in Navy recruiting.
Bahr enlisted into the Navy in 1992 as a machinist mate and was accepted into the U.S. Naval Academy four years later. Bahr is assuming command of NRC Region East after a successful tour as the commanding officer of the MH-53E Fleet Replacement Squadron-HM-12 in Norfolk, Va.
“I am honored to assume command of Region East,” said Bahr. “To the tremendous Sailors and officers out there in the field, I look forward to working with you and providing the support you need in these challenging and exciting times.”
The presiding officer, Deputy Chief of Naval Personnel/Commander, Navy Personnel Command and former Commander of Navy Recruiting Command Rear Adm. Jeffrey Hughes addressed Cox during the ceremony.
“In your 35-year career, you have transcended and enriched generations within the Navy,” said Hughes. “You have been a constant and a catalyst for great change and have made our Navy significantly better throughout the course of your career. This occasion marks an end to a 35-year Navy career, and despite the churn of an unpredictable and sometimes angry sea, Captain Cox kept his bow pointed toward great achievement and his course remained true to the call of duty. Our Navy has been enriched because you served faithfully and well. Godspeed to you and your family.”
The Navy’s recruiting force totals over 6,100 personnel in more than 1,000 recruiting stations around the globe. Their combined goal is to attract the highest quality candidates to assure the ongoing success of America’s Navy.
NRC consists of a command headquarters, two Navy Recruiting Regions, 21 Navy Recruiting Districts and 5 Navy Talent Acquisition Groups that serve more than 1,000 recruiting stations across the country.
For more news from Commander, Navy Recruiting Command, go to http:// www.cnrc.navy.mil. Follow Navy Recruiting on Facebook (www.facebook.com/NavyRecruiting) and on Twitter (@usnavyrecruiter).
Date Taken: | 07.19.2018 |
Date Posted: | 07.19.2018 17:33 |
Story ID: | 284978 |
Location: | TENNESSEE, US |
Web Views: | 489 |
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