SINGAPORE (NNS) -- Rear Adm. Don Gabrielson relieved Rear Adm. Brian Hurley as commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific (COMLOG WESTPAC) during a change of command ceremony, Aug. 11. Gabrielson also assumed duties as commander, Task Force 73 and Singapore area coordinator for U.S. forces stationed in the region.
Since June 2016, Hurley oversaw the expeditionary logistics and maintenance of ships operating throughout the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility, a vast maritime region encompassing more than 54 million square miles between the International Date Line and the Indian Ocean.
With a particular focus on South and Southeast Asia, Hurley also enhanced relationships with regional allies and partners through maritime security cooperation activities, such as the bilateral and multilateral exercise series Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT), the multilateral exercise Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training (SEACAT), and multinational humanitarian assistance and preparedness mission Pacific Partnership.
The keynote speaker, Republic of Singapore navy Fleet Commander Rear Adm. Lew Chuen Hong, praised Hurley's accomplishments during his tenure in command. He noted Hurley's efforts to strengthen navy-to-navy ties between the Republic of Singapore and other partner nations throughout South and Southeast Asia.
"Peace and stability defines our success as security partners," said Lew. "Yet our true success as partners comes down to people-to-people relationships and the friendships we make together."
Hurley reflected on his time as commander and thanked service members and Department of Defense civilian employees for the opportunity to lead and serve with them.
"It's been one of the greatest honors of my Navy career to serve as your commander," said Hurley. "I will never forget the kindness, generosity, and enthusiasm displayed by this team and from the Singapore military community. Thank you for all that you do for our nation and for our Navy."
As a surface warfare officer who has operated globally commanding ships and serving on senior staffs, Gabrielson assumes command of COMLOG WESTPAC and Task Force 73 after serving as executive assistant to commander, U.S. Pacific Command.
"I look forward to growing the important relationships we inherit today," said Gabrielson. "The personal investments are already deep and rich. Thank you to our Singapore hosts, thank you to our extended family and community, and most of all, thank you for allowing me this opportunity to lead."
Hurley will resume his role as deputy commander of U.S. 7th Fleet in Yokosuka, Japan.
Located in Singapore since 1992, COMLOG WESTPAC is U.S. 7th Fleet's provider of combat-ready logistics, operating government-owned and contracted ships to keep units throughout 7th Fleet armed, fueled, and fed. Additionally, Task Force 73 is 7th Fleet's Theater Security Cooperation agent for South and Southeast Asia.