Change-of-command ceremony solidifies the new leadership for the Pacific Missile Range Facility

Captain Robert A. Prince relieved Captain Brett A. Stevenson as commanding officer of Pacific Missile Range Facility, Barking Sands, during a change-of-command ceremony on Thursday.

The ceremony is a time-honored naval tradition and serves as a visual representation of this important transfer of authority, emphasizing the continuity of leadership and unity at Pacific Missile Range Facility.

Rear Adm. Stephen D. Barnett, commander of Navy Region Hawaiʻi, recognized Captain Stevenson’s distinguished service as commanding officer, citing his exceptional leadership and dedication to the command, its people, and the community.

“Captain Stevenson led a team that improved Navy, joint and allied forces’ warfighting capabilities through unmatched training and testing,” Barnett said. “That is just one of many areas of success. Captain Stevenson’s commitment to the overall health and well-being of sailors, their families, and everyone who works at [the Pacific Missile Range Facility] cannot be overstated.”

Barnett also noted Stevenson’s passion for not only the work but also the environment, land, culture, and community.

“Captain Stevenson and the Pacific Missile Range Facility team take great pride in their role as caretakers of the cultural and natural resources entrusted to them,” Barnett said. “I have the utmost confidence in Capt. Prince to continue this great legacy and raise the bar for a culture of excellence, ready warfighters, and committed members of the community.”

Stevenson thanked his family, friends, and the entire team for their support, trust, and dedication to duty. Stevenson added that Kauaʻi is unique compared to anywhere he had served during his 35 years in the Navy.

“My time here has been incredibly rewarding. The kindness and support that this community has shown me is unparalleled,” Stevenson said. “Captain Prince, you’re going to develop relationships here that will last for the rest of your life. The connections I’ve made here have ingrained in me my kuleana [responsibility] to the ʻāina [land], our ʻohana [family], and the safety of not only our great nation at large but also the families right here on Kauaʻi.

I am proud to say that I am not giving up my kuleana, but sharing it with my successor Captain Prince,” Stevenson said.

Prince is reporting from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, where he served as the chief of staff for the installation.

“I am excited for the opportunity to serve as the commanding officer at Pacific Missile Range Facility,” Prince said. “It is an honor to serve at a command that is so embedded in the local community while being the keystone in maintaining our status as the greatest fighting force the world has ever seen. I look forward to strengthening the bonds formed with our community, our allies, and our partners.”

Congressional staff members from U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz’s office and U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono’s office, as well as Kauaʻi County Council members and Mayor Derek Kawakami, were in attendance.

Kawakami extended a heartfelt mahalo to Stevenson and also welcomed Prince with aloha and excitement.

“It was an honor to join our partners at [the Pacific Missile Range Facility] for today’s ceremony—one that symbolizes the strength of leadership and the deep bonds between our military and our community,” Kawakami said. “Captain Stevenson leaves behind a legacy of excellence and collaboration that has made a lasting impact on Kauaʻi.”

Stevenson retired after 35 years of distinguished service following the change of command.

The Pacific Missile Range Facility Navy team engages and actively participates with the community and Native Hawaiian organizations, consulting and communicating with local leaders on issues like environmental and cultural stewardship, access, and educational outreach.