NEWPORT, R.I. (AP) - A U.S. Navy captain and Rhode Island native is now in command of Naval Station Newport.
Capt. Ian Johnson, a native of South Kingstown, Rhode Island, assumed command from Capt. Dennis Boyer in a ceremony Friday.
Longtime staff at the station could not recall ever having a commanding officer from Rhode Island.
Johnson spoke at the ceremony about the rich history of the Navy in Newport.
He says it’s a special day because he’s assuming command and coming home.
Boyer led the installation since September 2014. He oversaw many facility improvements and led a team of hundreds who provided housing, security and other services.
The station provides facilities and infrastructure support for 50 tenant commands located there.
Johnson, a submarine officer, commanded the USS Connecticut from 2011 to 2014.
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