Navy Region Northwest welcomes new Regional Commander

Rear Adm. Mark Sucato relieved Rear Adm. Brad Collins as Commander, Navy Region Northwest in a change of command ceremony Thursday, May 12.
 
The small ceremony occurred on Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor with some family, friends and staff in attendance.   
 
The third generation of his family to serve in the Navy since World War II, Sucato graduated with honors from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1994 and has served in a number of sea and shore assignments, including with Fighter Squadron 213 “Blacklions” embarked aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and as Commanding Officer of both Fighter Squadron Composite 12 and Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans. Upon his selection for promotion to Rear Admiral and assignment as Commander, Navy Region Northwest, Sucato was serving as the Deputy Director for Reserve Warfare on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations.
 
"While this is my first time being stationed in the Northwest, I have heard great things about the team here, particularly the shore team working to take care of our operational assets and Navy personnel," said Sucato, who visited Puget Sound-area Navy installations the past two weeks in preparation for assuming command. “I am excited to be a part of this team and engage with the Northwest communities.”
 
Collins, who has served as Region Commander since June 18, 2021, was awarded the Legion of Merit during the ceremony for all he accomplished during his time in command, which included overseeing the changes-of-homeport to the Region of one aircraft carrier and three guided missile destroyers, improving capabilities to respond to shipboard fires, and increasing on-base housing and childcare availability.
 
“Our workforce is filled with an enormous amount of talent and dedication, and it has been an absolute pleasure working alongside you,” said Collins to the staff. “When I received my orders this year, I had mixed emotions. While I am looking forward to my next assignment and the opportunities that come with that, I really would have liked to stay here longer with all of you.”
 
Collins will soon assume command of Navy Region Europe, Africa, Central, which is headquartered in Naples, Italy. He will relieve Rear Adm. Scott Gray, who previously served as Commander, Navy Region Northwest in 2018-2020.
 
“I believe that the Navy in this Region is the best that our country has to offer,” said Collins.  “We’re home to the finest uniformed men and women, to our military’s most effective platforms, and to our most innovative and desirable shore installations. On top of that, we have some of the best, most supportive neighbors and partners.”
 
NRNW encompasses the eleven-state area of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, Alaska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, and Iowa.