Yokosuka, Japan -- CDR Erin Ceschini was relieved by CDR Christopher Tuggle as Commanding Officer, Naval Oceanography Anti-Submarine Warfare Center (NOAC) Yokosuka, in a ceremony at Fleet Activity Yokosuka, Aug. 20,2021.
 
The Change of Command ceremony is not prescribed specifically by U.S. Navy Regulations, but rather is a time-honored naval tradition.
 
Dozens of civilian, military guests, and Japanese partners gathered to bid fair winds and following seas to Ceschini, as she departs after two years in command, and to welcome Tuggle as the new Commanding Officer.
 
The ceremony’s guest speaker was CAPT Shane Stoughton, Commanding Officer, Fleet Weather Center San Diego.
 
Ceschini graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Meteorology. She commissioned in May 2003 and assumed command of NOAC in August 2019.
 
Ceschini detached in August of 2021 to assume the role as Naval Deputy to the Administrator of NOAA.  Ceschini expressed her appreciation and pride to the NOAC staff for their accomplishments during her tenure as the Commanding Officer.
 
Tuggle graduated from the University of South Alabama with a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology in December 2003 and commissioned in April 2004.  Tuggle stated his enthusiasm assuming command and his readiness to lead the team into the future. He joins the NOAC Yokosuka team after completing a successful tour as the Fleet Oceanographer for Commander, U.S. SEVENTH Fleet. CDR Tuggle is the 41st Commanding Officer of NOAC Yokosuka.
 
A change of command is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit from one commander to another. It is designed to publicize to the officers, men and women of the command the absolute transfer of authority. The passing of colors, standards, or ensigns from an outgoing commander to an incoming one ensures that the unit and its service members and civilians are never without official leadership.
 
Naval Oceanography Anti-Submarine Warfare Center Yokosuka provides asymmetric warfighting advantage for ASW forces in THIRD, FIFTH, and SEVENTH Fleets through application of oceanographic sciences.  NOAC Yokosuka provides accurate and timely weather forecasts, warnings, and recommendations for ashore Naval Forces in Japan to facilitate the asset protection responsibilities and risk management decisions.
 
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