Portsmouth Naval Shipyard -- Portsmouth Naval Shipyard will hold a Change of Command ceremony at 10:00 a.m. on October 9, 2009, on the Shipyard's Mall. At this time Captain Robert W. Mazzone will be relieved by Captain L. Bryant Fuller III as Commander, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. This event is not open to the general public. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter (NH -1 D) will be the Shipyard's honored guests at this event. Honors will be rendered for the Senator during the ceremony with a 19-9un salute. (Click to read more)

Rear Admiral Joseph F. Campbell, Deputy Commander, Logistics, Maintenance and Industrial Operations, Naval Sea Systems Command will preside over the ceremony. Rear Admiral Campbell began his current assignment in June 2009. Rear Admiral John Clarke Orzalli, Director, Fleet Maintenance, Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command will be the guest speaker. Rear Admiral Orzalli began his current assignment in May 2009.

Captain Mazzone assumed command July 12, 2007. During his command, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard delivered eight submarines back to the Fleet. The Shipyard completed the most comprehensive and largest Depot Modernization Period (DMP) work package ever on USS GREEI\IEVILLE (SSN 772) and the most comprehensive and largest Engineered Overhaul (EOH) work package ever on USS LOUISVILLE (SSN 724). Additionally, during this time, the Point Loma Detachment to Portsmouth Naval Shipyard was stood up in San Diego, California allowing the Shipyard to service our Fleet Customer from both the East and West Coasts. Upgrades to Drydock #3 were completed to prepare for the arrival of the first VIRGINIA Class submarine in the fall of 2010. Lastly, Captain Mazzone welcomed over 900 new employees to the Shipyard since the start of his command.

Captain L. Bryant Fuller III was born and raised in Tennessee and was graduated from the University of Tennessee in 1984 with a bachelor's of science in mechanical engineering.After graduation Captain Fuller entered the United States Navy. In June 1985, he received his commission through the Navy's Officer Candidate Program.

Upon completion of Officer Candidate School and Surface Warfare Officer training, Captain Fuller reported aboard USS CHARLES F. ADAMS (DDG 2) where he qualified as a Surface Warfare Officer and served in a variety of engineering and combat systems assignments. Following sea duty, Captain Fuller was stationed at Fleet Area Control and Surveillance Facility, Jacksonville, Florida, where he was selected for re-designation as an Engineering Duty Officer.

Following a brief assignment as a Ship Repair Officer at Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Jacksonville, Captain Fuller entered Naval Postgraduate School in September 1991. Upon graduation, he earned a master's of science in mechanical engineering.

In June 1994, Captain Fuller reported to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard where he served as the Assistant Project Superintendent and Project Superintendent for numerous CGN, CG and SSBN projects. He was then assigned to Naval Sea Systems Command (SEA 04) as the Deputy Director for Shipyard Operations. In February 2000, Captain Fuller was selected for the Engineering Duty Dolphin Program and subsequently served aboard USS WEST VIRGINIA (SSBN 736) GOLD earning his Submarine Engineering Duty Officer Qualification.

In October 2000, Captain Fuller reported to Portsmouth Naval Shipyard where he served as Operations Officer and Project Superintendent for USS ALEXANDRIA (SSN 757) DMP. From September 2003 through July 2005 he served as the Repair Officer at Trident Refit Facility, Kings Bay, Georgia. His next assignment was as the COMSUBFOR Maintenance and Readiness Officer at Norfolk, Virginia until May 2007. Most recently Captain Fuller served as the Operations Officer at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility culminating in his selection as the 83rd Commander, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.

Captain Fuller has been awarded the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (with two stars), Navy Commendation Medal (with star), and Navy Achievement Medal (with two stars).

Official PNSY press release
Deborah White
Public Affairs Officer