NSA Saratoga Springs Changes Command

By NSA Saratoga Springs Public Affairs

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY Cmdr. Phillip Boice relieved Cmdr. Christopher Tejeda as commanding officer of Naval Support Activity (NSA) Saratoga Springs during a Change of Command ceremony held at the Saratoga Springs Knights of Columbus, Aug. 2.

Rear Adm. Charles W. “Chip” Rock, Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic was the presiding officer and guest speaker for the ceremony. Family, friends and colleagues of both incoming and outgoing leadership attended the event.

“I am humbled by the opportunity to come onboard and work with you,” Boice said. “As with any command, there are challenges that lay before us. I look forward to meeting these challenges head on.”

Boice, like his predecessor, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the installation. His prior assignments include tours as Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer aboard USS Peterson (DD 969), Chief Engineer aboard USS O’Kane (DDG 77) and Crew Commander at the U.S. Strategic Command Missile Warning Center.

“Like you have done your entire career, I have no doubt that you’ll bring great ideas and enthusiasm, and continue the tradition of excellence here,” Rock said in support of Boice’s leadership style.

During Tejeda’s two-year tenure as commanding officer, he ensured sustained operational support to the Navy Nuclear Power Training Unit Ballston Spa. He also fostered and expanded the Navy’s relationship within the community by working with state and local elected officials and leaders to build a multi-purpose field house utilizing a $450K grant on the installation for the benefit of the military community.

“One of the many missions of our base commanders is to represent the Navy to our surrounding community,” Rock said. He noted that Tejeda worked diligently to reestablish partnerships in Saratoga Springs during his tenure through volunteerism, stewardship, teamwork and ownership. Tejeda also ensured safety and security of the installation and its members were among his top priorities. “You have made a tremendous difference on the lives of many. Thank you for who you are and for all that you’ve done,” Rock said.

The primary mission of NSA Saratoga Springs is to deliver efficient and effective shore readiness and operational support to the Fleet, Fighter, Family, and perform host command functions in support of supported commands and the military community.