Captain William E. Finn assumed command as the ninth Camp Lemonnier commanding officer during a change-of-command ceremony on May 20, 2009.

Finn, a 23-year Navy veteran, assumed command from Captain Patrick J. Gibbons, who had been the commanding officer since June.

"We have indeed accomplished a great deal in the past year," said Gibbons.

Gibbons said that focus and the teamwork concept have helped him achieve success throughout his entire career.

"The efforts of ordinary folks working hard together will always outperform any group of superstars working as individuals," he said. "However, for the past year, I've been blessed with both; superstars who work hard together as a team."

Gibbons' next assignment is with First Naval Construction Division in Norfolk, Virginia.

During the ceremony, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa Commander Rear Admiral Anthony M. Kurta spoke of the successes of Gibbons and his staff.

"You -- the team -- drove development of a strategic master plan for Camp Lemonnier that will be the blueprint for transitioning from an expeditionary base to an enduring installation," Kurta said. "In the past, the Camp existed to support the mission of CJTF-HOA. This year, that mission expanded to support a variety of operational units transiting daily in support of counter-piracy operations. From air operations, to port operations, to logistical support; no requirement went unfulfilled. The demands and requirements never ended, nor did your 'Can-Do' attitude."

Kurta also expressed his confidence in the new commanding officer.

"I am excited to work with you, and for the new leadership and Seabee spirit you will bring to the Camp," he said. "Your combined experience and education are a great fit for this expeditionary environment."

Finn kept his comments brief as he accepted his new assignment. He praised Gibbons in his remarks.

"I look forward to taking what you have accomplished and (building upon it) as 'Seabees can do'," said Finn. "It is an honor and a privilege to serve with everyone on Camp Lemonnier. My command philosophy is all about service, because that is what we are here to do -- to serve."

Finn comes to Djibouti from his latest assignment as the Assistant Chief of Staff, Shore Installation Management and Engineering for Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea. During his tour, he led a major realignment of U.S. Navy engineering forces, participated in three U.S. Pacific Command-directed (PACOM) joint and combined exercises, and provided regional shore installation oversight of Fleet Activities Chinhae, a Navy base in the Republic of Korea.

Finn is qualified as a Seabee Combat Warfare Officer, registered professional engineer in Florida, and a member of the Acquisition Professional Community. His personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, six Meritorious Service Medals, two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, an Army Commendation Medal and two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals. He is also a recipient of the Army Engineer Association's (AEA) Bronze de Fleury Medal.