MSC's Sealift Logistics Command Atlantic changes leadership

April 3, 2009: Sealift Logistics Command Atlantic, the Norfolk, Va.,-based U.S. Navy command responsible for operational control over Military Sealift Command vessels providing ocean transportation of equipment, fuel, supplies and ammunition in the Atlantic, changed command during a ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk today.

Capt. Michael G. Graham assumed command of SEALOGLANT from outgoing commander, Capt. George G. Galyo, on the flight deck of fast combat support ship USNS Arctic in a 10 a.m. ceremony. Arctic, one of MSC's four fast combat support ships, transports fuel and other vital supplies to Navy warships, which allow the combatants to remain deployed for long periods of time.

Galyo, who became SEALOGLANT commander in May 2006, praised his staff of three years. "I want to thank you for the diligent service you have provided to the command under my watch," he said to the men and women of SEALOGLANT. "We were challenged to maintain superior sealift logistics despite shrinking resources and you surpassed expectations. I am proud of our accomplishments and I'm certain Capt. Graham will be just as impressed with you as I have been."

Galyo's next assignment is with Naval Surface Force Atlantic as its training and readiness officer. The command, located at Naval Support Activity, Norfolk, was established in 1975 as the type commander for cruiser/destroyer, amphibious and mine forces in the U.S. Atlantic Fleet.

Rear Adm. Robert D. Reilly Jr., MSC's commander, served as guest speaker for the event and lauded Galyo for his impressive service to Military Sealift Command. While noting the accomplishments of SEALOGLANT under Galyo's leadership, Reilly was quick to point out the "promise of great things to come" under Graham's stewardship.

Graham last served as the U.S. Northern Command liaison officer to U.S. Fleet Forces Command. "I am honored and excited to take the helm of a command as vibrant and vital as SEALOGLANT," Graham said. "It will be a rewarding challenge to carry on such a vital Department of Defense mission."

Graham, a native of Detroit, Mich., graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in aerospace engineering in 1984. His at-sea assignments include serving aboard USS Carr, USS Rentz, USS Hue City, USS Barry, Cruiser-Destroyer Group One, USS Laboon, and Cruiser-Destroyer Group Ten.

Ashore, he served at Surface Warfare Development Group; Naval Surface Forces, U.S. Atlantic Fleet; and U.S. Northern Command.

Graham is a graduate of the Air Force Command and Staff College. He holds a master's degree in management from Troy State University and a master's degree in public administration (National Resource Strategy) from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.

SEALOGLANT is one of five worldwide operational commands that are part of the Navy's Military Sealift Command, headquartered in Washington, D.C. Military Sealift Command operates approximately 110 non-combatant, merchant mariner-crewed ships that replenish U.S. Navy ships, conduct specialized missions, strategically preposition combat cargo at sea around the world and move military cargo and supplies used by deployed U.S. forces and coalition
partners.