Military Sealift Command - Europe changes command
Capt. Gary J. Ellis relieved Capt. Robert T. Collins as Commander, Military Sealift Command, Europe, or MSCEUR. Rear Adm. Robert Clark commander, Military Sealift Command, Atlantic, and commander, Military Sealift Command, Europe (Mobilization), was the ceremony's principal speaker.
MSCEUR operates government-owned and contracted ships, providing sealift transportation, direct fleet support, ships for special projects, and strategic sealift. The command also supports other Department of Defense agencies, and the U.S. Department of State, resupplying embassies and consulates throughout the Mediterranean.
Collins commanded an organization, which served vital roles in support of operations in both Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo-completing 14 major deployments and redeployments of military cargo supporting U.S. peacekeepers.
In addition, MSC's combat stores ships and oilers kept U.S. Sixth Fleet and NATO's Standing Naval Force Mediterranean, or SNFM, warships combat-ready, with spare parts, fresh food, and fuel. MSCEUR's special mission ships performed oceanographic and hydrographic research, submarine surveillance, and other unique naval missions. Finally, MSCEURs 'prepositioned' ships maintained a strategic presence in the Mediterranean-carrying U.S. Marine Corps combat equipment and supplies, and supplies for the U.S. Air Force.
Ellis reports to MSCEUR after serving as commander, Afloat Training Group, Norfolk, Va., since 1998. Enlisting in the Navy in 1972, he served as an aviation ordnanceman aboard USS Midway (CV 41). He received his commission through Officer Candidate School in 1975, and served initial division officer tours in the operations and engineering departments of USS Ranger (CV 61). His other sea tours include USS Jouett (CG 29), USS Ingersoll (DD 990), USS Reeves (CG 24), and USS Harry E. Yarnell (CG 17). He commanded USS Conolly (DD 979).
Collins reports as an instructor at the Naval War College in Newport, R.I. (FROM MILITARY SEALIFT COMMAND -EUROPE PUBLIC AFFAIRS)
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