We’re going to miss Captain Jessica O’Brien, but it’s pretty obvious that we are in great hands with Captain Kyle Caldwell, too – especially 
that he’s a Rotarian!
We couldn’t have asked for better weather, for such a special occasion, and we thoroughly enjoyed the morning at the Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station.
On July 18, 2025, Captain Kyle A. Caldwell officially assumed command of Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach, taking over from the departing Captain Jessica O’Brien in a traditional Navy Change of Command ceremony that echoed through the base and resonated across the community.
The Change of Command is a cornerstone of naval ceremony symbolizing the seamless transfer of authority and responsibility from one commanding officer to the next.
Center stage is the passing of the base’s colors: the flag is furled by the outgoing commander, passed across the dais, and unfurled by the incoming commander. It’s a time-honored way to say, “The mission continues, uninterrupted.” Today’s ceremony followed the script complete with side-boys, intelligent salutes, and heartfelt salvos, all while underscoring unity across the sailors, civilian staff, and community attendees.
The Mission is Steady
This ceremony wasn’t just formalities and flag waves—it was a public declaration: Seal Beach’s mission is steady, its leadership is capable, and its place in the community remains central. With CAPT Caldwell now in the driver’s seat, the base continues its vital role in national defense and regional wellbeing—strong, steady, and moving forward.
Remember the Wildlife Refuge
Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station
Established in 1944 as a Naval Ammunition and Net Depot, the 5,256‑acre NWS Seal Beach supports the Pacific Fleet as a premier munitions loading and storage hub.
Today, the base includes 230 buildings, 128 ammunition magazines, six mobile cranes, and a wildlife refuge of nearly 920 acres—straddling both defense and ecological stewardship. The new ammunition pier (completed in April 2024) now enables loading operations for larger vessels—including guided-missile destroyers and amphibious assault ships
2 Responses
I would love to know if this change of command is a top-down decision from the new administration in Washington DC, where it seems that all the women who are in command are being removed and replaced by men.
Great question Joanne.
My initial guess is that most of the change in commands are part of the “normal” cycle. For example, LTC Fox at the Joint Forces Base will be changing out for a new base commander in September. LTC Fox has known he was changing assignments on this timetable for at least the past two years.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.