(Via Ho’okele News)
Story and photo by MC2 Laurie Dexter
Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Detachment Hawaii
Capt. Stanley Keeve Jr. relieved Capt. Jeffrey W. James as the commander of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH) during a change of command July 11 on Ford Island.
Rear Adm. Rick L. Williams, commander of Navy Region Hawaii and Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific, was the guest speaker and reflected on James’s service to those in attendance.
“Jeff, you set the standard for team building and support to families at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam,” said Williams. “You will be remembered for your practical approach, your willingness to listen, and your problem-solving abilities, based on trust throughout the chain of command.”
Williams presented James with the Legion of Merit Award and letters of appreciation for his service as commander of JBPHH.
James took command in June 2011 as the second commander of JBPHH. Prior to reporting, James served on the staff of Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet. He is retiring after 30 years of naval service.
During James’s speech, he reflected on his accomplishments as commander, giving the credit to all the personnel attached to JBPHH.
“Anything that I talk about with respect to the base, any accolades Adm. Williams gave me, anything you heard in the awards citation, is really about them,” said James.
James and Keeve took turns reading their orders to the audience, which represents the official command turnover.
After the exchange of command, Keeve addressed the audience.
“To the men and women of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Capt. James’ tour of duty was successful because of your dedication, professionalism and commitment to the mission,” Keeve said.
His tours of duty have included the frigate USS Reuben James (FFG 57), cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) and the staff of U.S. 6th Fleet in Gaeta, Italy. He has served as commanding officer of the mine countermeasure ship USS Guardian (MCM 5) and the destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80). His most recent assignment was military assistant to the Defense Business Board in the Pentagon.
Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam is home to the Air Force’s key strategic flight line in the Pacific and the Navy’s most historically significant homeport, with 177 tenant commands and about 93,000 active duty personnel and their family members, Department of Defense civilians and contractors.
