Photo By Lt.Cmdr. marc benshetler | In a ceremony at the Joint and Coalition Warfighting complex in Suffolk, Va., Aug. 17,...... read more read more
SUFFOLK, Va. - On Aug. 17, U.S. Navy Capt. Jeffrey Breslau formally assumed command of the Joint Public Affairs Support Element in a ceremony at the Joint and Coalition Warfighting complex.
Following three years of leadership, U.S. Navy Capt. David Wray handed over command of JPASE and also celebrated his retirement from the Navy after 29 years of service.
JPASE, one of three subordinate commands of the Joint Enabling Capabilities Command, is the Department of Defense’s only joint public affairs unit that can deploy within hours to assist in crisis or contingency operations. Since its initial establishment in 2005, JPASE has provided ready, rapidly deployable JPA capability to combatant commanders in order to facilitate the rapid establishment of joint force headquarters, bridge JPA requirements and conduct public affairs training to meet evolving theater information challenges.
U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Scott Stearney, the commander of the JECC and the presiding officer at the change of command, spoke in detail about Wray’s leadership during the numerous operations and exercises JPASE supported the past three years.
“Captain Wray has done a brilliant job of leading JPASE,” he stated. “His leadership was key to the successful deployment of almost 500 personnel to 10 operations and 60 exercises."
As Wray retires from the U.S. Navy, his guidance and direction as the JPASE commander leaves a lasting impact on DOD’s ability to respond in crisis events. A few months after assuming command, JPASE was among the first capabilities requested to support Joint Task Force – Haiti following the devastating 2010 earthquake in Port au Prince. The JPASE team arrived within hours to provide the initial PA support for senior leader interviews and transmission of electronic media to news outlets. In fact, JPASE team members were the only U.S. spokespeople for the first week of the operation and conducted interviews with all major U.S. news networks and the three largest Spanish-language news networks in the world.
Under Wray’s leadership, JPASE has also provided critical JPA expertise during the Pakistan flood relief efforts in 2010, PA planning and contingency support to U.S. Africa Command during Operation Odyssey Dawn in 2011 and essential media relations and PA assistance during Operation Pacific Passage, the military-assisted departure mission in Japan following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.
Wray spoke of the diverse experiences he gained as the JPASE Commander and the quality people who made his final tour so memorable.
"I am humbled to have led such a unique organization. JPASE is a small group, but they are the best," he said. “Commanding here has been the best job I've ever had, and it has been my honor to serve with you."
Breslau assumes command of JPASE following a tour at U.S. Pacific Fleet as the director of public affairs.
A graduate of Memphis State University, Breslau received his Navy commission in 1988. Following an initial sea tour on board the USS Forrestal (CV 59), he subsequently transferred into the public affairs officer community and was assigned to the former U.S. Atlantic Command in Norfolk, Va. Breslau has since completed various PAO assignments including director billets on board USS Constellation (CV 64) and special assistant to PA at U.S. Central Command. Additionally, he has deployed in support of Operation Restore Democracy, Haiti, Operation Iraqi Freedom and most recently, Operation Tomodachi, Japan.
Breslau is a graduate of the Naval War College where he received a master of arts degree in national security and strategic studies. He is also a recipient of the Public Relations Society of America’s Silver Anvil award for excellence in crisis communications.
| Date Taken: | 08.17.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 08.20.2012 12:53 |
| Story ID: | 93532 |
| Location: | SUFFOLK, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 220 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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