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Last updated on Friday, July 14, 2017
(CRANE) - Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane) held a formal Change of Command Ceremony on Thursday. Capt. Mark Oesterreich relieved Capt. JT Elder after three years as NSWC Crane’s 28th Commanding Officer. Elder will retire from the U.S. Navy after 28 years of service.
The Change of Command is a time honored tradition, formally restating the continuity of the authority of command. It is a formal ritual conducted before the assembled company of the command, as well as honored guests and dignitaries. The Change of Command is unique in the world today; it is a transfer of total responsibility, authority and accountability from one individual to another.
As part of the ceremony, Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch presented Elder with a Sagamore of the Wabash, the highest award the state of Indiana can present.
"It has truly been an honor to lead Crane over the past three years," Elder said. "I feel fortunate to have played an active role in a culture transformation, and I'm proud of the strides we've made as a premier federal lab in the DoD. The employees here are special, and I will forever cherish my time at NSWC Crane."
Oesterreich, 47, had been serving as the Assistant Chief of Staff for Ship Maintenance and Material at Commander Naval Air Forces Pacific Fleet in Coronado, California since 2015. The South Holland, Ill. native has dedicated more than 25 years of service to the Navy, including tours on USS ARCHERFISH (SSN 678) and USS OHIO (SSBN-726G) submarines.
"I'm honored to be the Commanding Officer of the best warfare center in the Navy," Oesterreich said. "In my short time here, I have come to see that Crane is so much more to so many more. Capt. Elder has enabled Crane to reach new heights, and I wish him fair winds and following seas for his retirement."
NSWC Crane is a naval laboratory and a field activity of Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA). The warfare center is responsible for multi-domain, multi- spectral, full life cycle support of technologies and systems enhancing capability to today's warfighter.
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