Fleet Weather Center San Diego Conducts Change of Command

CORONADO, Calif.—  Captain Kate Hermsdorfer relieved Captain Shane Stoughton, as Commanding Officer of Fleet Weather Center San Diego (FWC-SD) during a Change of Command Ceremony, January 21, 2022 at Naval Air Station North Island. 
 
Capt. Stoughton assumed command of FWC-SD in January 2020, overseeing 430 military and civilian personnel in the creation of full-spectrum meteorological capabilities that deliver the margin of victory in combat operations, decision superiority, and facilitates risk management and resource protection. His follow-on assignment is Office of the Chief of Naval Operations Staff, Washington, DC.
 
Reflecting on his time in Command, Capt. Stoughton took stock of the growth that occurred, noting a 27% increase in civilian manpower and a 143% increase in budget execution as Fleet Weather Center San Diego took on responsibility for Naval Oceanography Anti-submarine Warfare Center Yokosuka and Strike Group Oceanography Team San Diego. However, what really left an impression on him was the toughness shown by his team through Covid-19 pandemic, stating, “Our Sailors here at Fleet Weather Center have been tested in every way possible….and we will be stronger for having fought this fight. If you’re looking for inspiration, look at my Sailors. They are my new heroes. They kept marching.”
 
Commander Naval Meteorology Oceanography Command (CNMOC), RDML Ronald Piret welcomed Capt. Hermsdorfer, stating, “You embody what it means to lead up, down, left and right….and with humility…. You are the absolutely right leader to take the helm at this time and carry on this important work. … Fleet Weather Center is a driving force in providing the warfighting advantage at sea, and continues to outpace our competitors. In an age where information is power, the Fleet Weather Center and its team of professionals are leaders in Information Warfare, the undisputed preeminent authorities in delivering assured, timely, and tactically relevant meteorological and oceanographic products and services, where and when needed."      
 
Capt. Hermsdorfer comes to FWC-SD after serving as the oceanography capabilities and requirements branch head and Naval deputy to NOAA liaison on the Staff of the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations and previously commanded Naval Oceanography Mine Warfare Center.
 
CAPT Hermsdorfer addressed the men and women of Fleet Weather Center San Diego and praised their work providing physical battlespace awareness and prediction over an operating area that spans 2/3 of the globe. She stressed that in an era in which the margin of victory between US forces and our near peers is razor thin, it is this collective team’s expertise that will derive an advantage and ensure our success.
 
Fleet Weather Center San Diego, situated at Naval Air Station North Island, consists of 316 military and civilian personnel who provide full-spectrum weather services to facilitate risk management, resource protection and decision superiority to enable mission success. FWC-SD delivers forecasting and 24/7/365 reachback capability for undersea, afloat, aviation, and other assets and installations operating in 3rd, 5th, and 7th Fleets.