ATG MIDPAC Holds Change of Command Ceremony

by Chief Cryptologic Technician-Technical Derek Craver, Afloat Training Group Middle Pacific Public Affairs

31 May 2017

PEARL HARBOR - Afloat Training Group (ATG) Middle Pacific (MIDPAC) held a change of command ceremony at Ford Island, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam May 31. 
 
Cmdr. Timothy Wilke was relieved by Cmdr. Kenneth Athans as commanding officer, ATG MIDPAC and Capt. Kenneth Coleman, commodore, ATG Pacific, was the guest speaker during the ceremony.

In his speech, Coleman commended Wilke for a job well done as the commanding officer during his tour "Tim, you have made a lasting impact here and throughout our Navy and I am extremely proud to have served with you" also speaking of his replacements readiness "Cmdr. Ken Athans is fully prepared to lead and continue to build upon ATG MIDPAC’s exceptionally strong reputation for upholding the highest standards of warfighting excellence.”

Following his remarks, Coleman presented Wilke with the Meritorious Service Medal

Wilke gave credit to his Sailors, saying, " although my name has been attached to your comments and to the award presented, we all know that the accomplishments covered by the commodore are not my accomplishments rather the command’s

Wilke elaborated further about his ATG Sailors “ I am beaming with pride and have been held in awe at what this true group of professionals have accomplished these past few years”

During the ceremony, Wilke and Athans read their orders followed by the ceremonious salute to symbolize the official changeover of command.

After greeting the guests Athans spoke on his thoughts of becoming the newest commanding officer of ATG MIDPAC "know that I am not only honored to be taking command today, I am energized by it! I embrace the challenges of leading this training command and look forward to building upon the awesome legacy."

Athans then addressed the ATG MIDPAC Sailors by saying “I am proud to serve with such a high caliber group of talented trainers! Our drive is to deliver the highest quality training in an energetic and constructive manner…Make ships better, it’s what we do”

ATG MIDPAC’s mission is to provide safe and effective training to the Pacific Fleet and Coast Guard ships. Command members assist commanders in assessing ships’ training readiness, and provide training necessary to meet basic training standards

For more news from Afloat Training Group Middle Pacific, visit http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/atgmp or on Facebook Atgmidpac Pao