ROTA, Spain – Commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Central (EURAFCENT) hosted the annual Executive Steering Committee (ESC) at Naval Station Rota this past week.
 
Commanding Officers (COs) from NSA Naples, NAVSUP FLC Bahrain, NSF Redzikowo, NSA Bahrain, NAVSTA Rota, Isa Air Base, NAVSUP FLC Sigonella, NAS Sigonella, NSF Redzikowo and NAVFAC EURAFCENT gathered in Rota to discuss obstacles they’ve faced supporting fleet operations and ways to overcome the everyday challenges their Sailors, civilians, local nationals, and families face in their overseas locations.
 
“A team that knows and communicates the challenges that they have with others, remains resilient throughout their tour,” said Rear Adm. Brad Collins, Commander, Navy Region EURAFCENT.
 
Collins led the group through his vision for the Region and expectations for COs, many of whom are new to the team. He challenged each leader to openly discuss issues they’re facing and work to find viable solutions. The installation and functional leaders discussed everything from manpower to budgeting, construction, and quality of life enhancements. Spouses were also in attendance. They received briefs about operational security, Navy Exchange and Commissary logistics, and the variety of fleet and family readiness programs.
 
This year’s topics fostered productive discussions between the COs and Rear Adm. Collins. Region program directors from Operations, Budget, Manpower, Facilities, Fleet and Family Readiness, and Public Affairs were on hand to answer questions, assess operational support capabilities, and enhance an understanding of future priorities with the ever-increasing operational tempo of the region.
 
“Supporting the fleet and operations is the mission,” said Collins. “Our job at Region is to provide the support you need at your installations to support those operations, your Sailors, personnel, and their families. We need to have these conversations so we can ensure mission success.”
 
For many, this was their first opportunity to meet face-to-face with the other commanding officers and Region staff to share knowledge and discuss growing capabilities.
 
“I’m excited to have this opportunity to speak to my peers, talk about our challenges, and find innovative ways to tackle issues we face,” said Captain John Bartak, commander, NSF Redzikowo, Poland.
 
Navy Region EURAFCENT oversees nine installations in seven countries, enabling U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to be where they are needed, when they are needed in order to ensure security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.