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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Monday, July 31, 2006

New head for Navy Region Hawai'i

Advertiser Staff

A change-of-command ceremony will be held Aug. 8 to transfer leadership of Navy Region Hawai'i to Capt. Townsend G. Alexander.

The ceremony will take place at Naval Station Pearl Harbor.

Alexander replaces Rear Adm. Mike Vitale, who took command of the Carrier Strike Group Two, USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Carrier Strike Group, on June 8.

Vitale commanded 32,000 sailors, Navy personnel and civilians in the Navy Region Hawai'i during the past two years.

"Pearl Harbor is the best homeport in the Navy and a national treasure that continues to serve as one of our most strategically significant naval bases in the world," Vitale said.

"I'm very proud and honored to have commanded here and any accomplishments occurring during my time are due solely to an outstanding staff of professionals," he said.

During his command, Vitale oversaw projects such as the construction or renovation of 4,500 housing units, renovation of the Navy Marine Golf Course and the redevelopment of Ford Island.

The redevelopment of Ford Island will include new housing units, training facilities and historic visitor attractions such as the Pacific Aviation Museum.

Alexander has been commander of the Coronado Naval Base in San Diego since 2004. He said he is looking forward to working at Navy Region Hawai'i, which he said "plays a key role in supporting our war fighters."