Photo By Brandon L Parker | SINGAPORE (Oct. 28, 2022) -- Capt. Robert R. Williams, left, relieves Capt. Samuel F....... read more read more
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SINGAPORE (Oct. 28, 2022) -- University of South Carolina alumnus, Capt. Robert R. Williams, ’91, assumed command of Military Sealift Command Far East – for the second time in four years -- during a ceremony in Singapore, Oct. 28.
Williams held the post previously, 2018 – 2020. After an assignment in the Pentagon, the Irmo, South Carolina, native returned to Singapore to lead the Navy’s logistics team that supports warfighters throughout the Indo-Pacific Region.
“MSC Far East has a legacy of providing exceptional customer service to U.S. Armed Forces, the fleet, and our partners and Allies. The entire MSC Far East team will continue working together, ensuring that continues," Williams said.
MSC civil service mariners, contracted crews and active-duty and civilian personnel throughout the U.S. 7th Fleet Area of Operations provide critical logistics support to U.S. Armed Forces, U.S. Navy ships and afloat crews of partners and Allies.
“Whether combat logistics ships delivering food, fuel and spare parts; any one of our special mission ships; the hospital ship, USNS Mercy; or rescue and salvage ships, MSC Far East delivers,” Williams said.
“I trust every MSCFE professional -- including department heads, officers-in-charge, commanding officers, ships’ masters, chief engineers, action officers and crew members -- will anticipate what needs to be done and will stay focused on accomplishing the mission, while simultaneously taking care of their crews, shipmates and themselves.”
At the time he took command, Williams charged those throughout the MSC Far East enterprise with a traditional, often heard, Navy order. Simply, carry on.
“You are doing a fantastic job,” he said to active duty and civilian personnel and civil service and contracted mariners.
“Keep doing what you’re great at, providing excellent service to the warfighter. Additionally, let me know how we can implement the Navy’s 'Get Real, Get Better' approach to MSCFE business. I’m here to support you.”
He believes mariners, both civil service and contracted, are the backbone of the MSC Far East force, and he says MSCFE’s offices throughout the theater will continue to support them in any way possible.
“My priorities include working together at all levels to take care of our people; ensuring each action we conduct is executed safely; and coordinating with our masters, crews and staffs to identify and remove any challenges or barriers to mission accomplishment.”
In addition to his MSCFE assignments, Williams commanded USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58).
The former enlisted Sailor’s afloat assignments include USS Thomas Gates (CG 51), Special Boat Unit 20, USS Dewert (FFG 45), Destroyer Squadron 24 and Task Force 60.
Williams who earned master’s degrees from the Naval Postgraduate School and the National War College has served in a number of ashore assignments. His shore tours included the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy; the Joint Staff; U.S. Pacific Command; the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy; and the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense.
During the change-of-command ceremony in Singapore, Williams relieved Capt. Samuel F. de Castro as commodore of MSCFE.
| Date Taken: | 10.28.2022 |
| Date Posted: | 11.01.2022 03:33 |
| Story ID: | 432180 |
| Location: | SG |
| Web Views: | 64 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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