Naval Station Norfolk (NNS) welcomes its new commanding officer, Capt. David Culler, during a change of command ceremony held August 2, aboard the installation.

Capt. Culler relieved Capt. Mary Jackson who took command of the world’s largest naval base in 2010.

In her speech, Jackson praised Culler, saying “He is well versed in the up-tempo, diversity and volume of this installation. He is leagues better than me, and will take our processes and mission accomplishment to the next level.”

Capt. Culler, a second generation Naval Aviator, was commissioned in 1988. Prior to his arrival as executive officer of Naval Station Norfolk, he was assigned to the Supreme Allied Command Transformation as the Counter Improvised Explosive Device Integrated Product Team Leader in support of training, education and doctrine development for NATO and Troop Contributing Nations.

As the new commanding officer of Naval Station Norfolk, Culler said his goals and challenges is to frequent the numerous commands housed on the installation.

“Getting around more and visiting with the number of commands onboard Naval Station Norfolk is challenging due to the size and scope of the installation,” said Culler. “but is critically important to understanding where we need to improve our services in order to better support the fleet, war fighters and their families.”

Meanwhile, Jackson was offered the opportunity to serve as chief-of-staff for Navy Region Mid-Atlantic beginning September. Before stepping down from the NNS, she was awarded the Legion of Merit for her exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service as executive and commanding officer, NNS, from April 2009 to August 2012.