PENSACOLA, Fla. - Capt. Willie Brisbane relieved Capt. Brett St. George as commanding officer of Naval Education and Training Professional Development Center (NETPDC) during a change of command ceremony at the National Naval Aviation Museum onboard Naval Air Station Pensacola, July 30, 2021.
Commander, Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) Rear Adm. Pete Garvin was the guest speaker for the event and highlighted NETPDC's responsibilities of administering the Navy's Voluntary Education program, providing resources management to assigned activities, and administering the Navy's enlisted advancement program.
Garvin commended NETPDC's team on their contributions during a time of significant change under the leadership of St. George.
"Whether it's providing world-class counseling and education assistance and services through the Navy College Program or its immensely successful Navy College Virtual Education Center, or administering Navy enlisted advancement exams, every member of the NETPDC team makes a tremendous difference every day," said Garvin.
St. George, a native of Newnan, Georgia, told guests he was pleased with the accomplishments of the command throughout his tour.
"I couldn't be more proud of the NETDPC team with true insight that comes only by working within the organization," said St. George. "The team is continually asked to do more with less, to transform from within, and to sustain their high level of service to Sailors without disruption. Success in those areas only comes through individual employee effort that relies on professionalism, resiliency, and creative problem solving. It's those attributes that I've observed daily, and they are the ones that have made NETPDC into a high performing team."
St. George, who also retired during the ceremony, acknowledged many people within the organization who contributed to his many successes and accomplishments along the way.
"As I conclude 24 years of service, I give my heartfelt thanks to the NETPDC team and my senior leadership for letting me close out my career in this job," said St. George. "I've absolutely enjoyed NETPDC's mission. It was education that kept me in the service, it was the talent management tools of advancement and promotion that enabled my longevity to serve, and it was the resourcing and support work behind the scenes that generated the opportunity."
St. George also reflected on his experience in the Navy and spoke of his full-circle career.
"Pensacola was both my first and my last duty station," said St. George. "It's the right place for me to finish, and I do it with great pride in being part of the NETPDC team."
After assuming command of NETPDC, Brisbane spoke of her excitement in taking command of NETPDC.
"I am ecstatic and looking forward to commanding the NETPDC organization and working with a wonderful staff of high-level professionals."
Brisbane, who most recently served as the acting deputy director and senior military advisor for the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion with the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense, will become NETPDC's 21st commanding officer.
As part of the MyNavy HR Force Development team, NETPDC provides products and services that enable and enhance education, training, career development, and personnel advancement throughout the Navy. Primary elements of the command include the Voluntary Education department, the Navy Advancement Center, and the Resources Management Department.
Additional information about NETPDC can be found at https://www.netc.navy.mil/NETPDC.
