Vice Adm. Fox Assumes Command of US Navy in Middle East

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Aramis Ramirez | Vice Adm. Mark Fox, right, relieves Vice Adm. Bill Gortney as Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/ 5th Fleet/Combined Maritime Forces as J. Adam Ereli, U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain, observes during a change of command ceremony held on board Naval Support Activity Bahrain July 5. Gortney, who finished a two-year tour in Bahrain, is scheduled to report to the Pentagon, where he will serve as director, Joint Staff in Washington, D.C.  

MANAMA, BAHRAIN

07.05.2010

Courtesy Story

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command / U.S. 5th Fleet           

MANAMA, Bahrain - Vice Adm. Mark Fox relieved Vice Adm. Bill Gortney as Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/ 5th Fleet/ Combined Maritime Forces at a change of command ceremony held at Naval Support Activity Bahrain, July 5.

"I cannot think of a better, more qualified officer to relieve me than Mark Fox," Gortney said. "He comes to the area with great experience, is a dynamic leader and is committed to furthering the progress we've made. Our service members and Coalition partners are fortunate to have him taking the helm."

Beginning in July 2008, Gortney led more than 25,000 U.S. and coalition service members operating continuously in the region providing security, defending against violent extremism, conducting Maritime Security Operations and providing support for Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

"In my two years here, I've seen our allies in the Gulf region come closer together, growing stronger together," said Gortney. "It's that ability to work toward a shared goal and understand what we all bring to the table as professional navies that enables us to protect waterways that are so critical to so many across the globe."

Gortney also took the opportunity to highlight the U.S. Navy's close friendship with Bahrain.

"We've enjoyed a strong, enduring friendship with Bahrain for more than 60 years," he said. "It grows stronger every day. Just last year we began bringing Navy families back to the Kingdom and the Bahraini people have gone to great lengths to welcome them into their communities. I'll miss that bond we share."

Among the many highlights of Gortney's tenure are the return of U.S. families to Bahrain, the turnover of the Khawr Amaya Oil Terminal to the Iraqi navy, the successful rescue of Maersk Alabama Capt. Richard Phillips from his Somali pirate captors, and the strengthening of partnerships among many Gulf region nations.

Fox expressed his admiration and appreciation for Gortney's numerous accomplishments during his tour of NAVCENT/C5F/CMF.

"Bill Gortney, although modest in physical stature, is a giant in terms of leadership, teambuilding and accomplishment," Fox said. "He has masterfully guided the Coalition and U.S. naval forces with a wise and steady hand, taking a long range strategic approach while deeply respecting the region's people, religions, histories and cultures. I share his approach, and will work hard in the years ahead to continue to build on his legacy of
excellence."

Gortney will report to the Pentagon, where he will serve as Director, Joint Staff in Washington, D.C.

• Date Taken: 07.05.2010
• Date Posted: 07.05.2010 06:07
• Story ID: 52386
• Location: MANAMA, BH