Fleet Forces Deputy CO to Temporarily Take Command, Change of Command Cancelled

November 20, 2014 6:59 PM - Updated: November 21, 2014 10:06 AM
Vice Adm. Nora W. Tyson (right) and Adm. Bill Gortney, commander U.S. Fleet Forces (USFF) hold a letter authorizing her to put on a third star during a promotion ceremony in 2013. US Navy Photo
Vice Adm. Nora W. Tyson (right) and Adm. Bill Gortney, commander U.S. Fleet Forces (USFF) hold a letter authorizing her to put on a third star during a promotion ceremony in 2013. US Navy Photo

The deputy commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command will temporarily take reins of the organization on Friday following the cancelation of a planned change of command next week, Navy officials told USNI News on Thursday.

Vice Adm. Nora W. Tyson — current number two at Fleet Forces — “will temporarily assume responsibility as acting commander,” according to a Thursday statement.

It’s an issue of timing, Fleet Forces representatives said.

Current Fleet Forces head, Adm. Bill Gortney, will be leaving the Norfolk, Va. command for his new assignment as commander of U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) and NORAD in early December.

Gortney’s relief — current U.S. 6th Fleet commander Vice Adm. Phil Davidson — is waiting on his replacement to take over as head of U.S. naval forces in Europe.

Gortney and Davidson have both been confirmed by the Senate for their positions but Davidson’s relief — current assistant deputy chief of naval operations for operations, plans and strategy (N3/N5) Rear Adm. James Foggo — has not had his confirmation hearing.

The original Fleet Forces change of command was slated to take place on Nov. 24, 2014.

The following is Nov. 20, 2014 release from U.S. Fleet Forces Command.

Fleet Forces Change of Command Ceremony Cancelled

NORFOLK, Va. – The Fleet Forces Change of Command Ceremony, scheduled to take place on Monday, Nov. 24th, has been cancelled.

Navy leadership made the decision today that Vice Adm. Nora W. Tyson will temporarily assume responsibility as acting commander U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFF), Norfolk, Virginia. Tyson is currently assigned as USFF deputy commander.

Admiral Bill Gortney, current commander USFF, has been confirmed by the Senate for re-appointment to the rank of admiral with assignment as commander of U.S. Northern Command and NORAD. Gortney will leave Fleet Forces in order to take command of NORTHCOM/NORAD in early December.

Vice Adm. Phil Davidson has been confirmed by the Senate for promotion to the rank of admiral and for assignment as Gortney’s relief. Davidson is currently commander U.S. Sixth Fleet in Naples, Italy.

Rear Adm. James G. Foggo III, nominated by the Secretary of Defense for appointment to the rank of vice admiral and for assignment as Davidson’s relief is pending confirmation.

-USN-

Sam LaGrone

Sam LaGrone

Sam LaGrone is the editor of USNI News. He has covered legislation, acquisition and operations for the Sea Services since 2009 and spent time underway with the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and the Canadian Navy.
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