SAN DIEGO (NNS) – The Program Executive Office Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (PEO C4I) and PEO Space Systems (PEO SS) held a change of command Feb. 24.

Rear Adm. Carl Chebi relieved Rear Adm. Christian “Boris” Becker during a ceremony held on Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command’s (SPAWAR) Old Town Complex. Becker assumed PEO C4I and PEO Space Systems in July 2013; he will assume command of Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) from Rear Adm. Dave Lewis at the end of March.

Principal Military Deputy for the Assistant Secretary of the Navy Research, Development and Acquisition, Vice Adm. David C. Johnson, served as the presiding officer and provided opening remarks.

“I am honored to be here today to oversee the transition of command between two of the Navy’s finest,” said Johnson. “Boris has achieved some amazing accomplishments as C4I and Space Systems and I know “Chebs” is ready to continue the great work achieved so far.”

Guest speaker Adm. Michael S. Rogers, commander, U.S. Cyber Command, director, National Security Agency and chief, Central Security Service echoed Johnson and spoke highly of Becker’s contributions to the Navy and C4I and space acquisition.

“The criticality of the products and services that PEO C4I and PEO Space Systems deliver to our warfighters in defense of this nation cannot be overstated and I thank you for your service,” said Rogers.

Becker leveraged his experience in space and communications engineering and acquisition management to drive his vision for increased efficiency in the development, acquisition and delivery of C4I systems, products and services but he recognized his success did not belong to just him.

“Success of this magnitude is a team sport, Becker explained. “It cannot be achieved alone.” As PEO C4I and PEO Space Systems, Becker led the acquisition efforts of eleven program offices delivering integrated communication and information technology and space systems capabilities. Among them was the acquisition and delivery of the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) system providing improved dependable global communications to expeditionary and maritime forces, and the deployment and installation of the Navy’s next generation Consolidated Afloat Network Enterprise System.

In closing, Becker said “Admiral Chebi, I leave you in good hands, the watch is yours.’

After serving as the Vice Commander, Naval Air Systems Command, Chebi was excited to get started in his role as PEO C4I and Space Systems. Chebi’s career as a pilot is extensive and he served as program manager for two aviation program offices.

"To the men and women of C4I and Space, I couldn’t be happier to be joining this outstanding team,” said Chebi. “Our success is defined by delivering the right capability, at the right cost, at the right time, to ensure the fleet can successfully execute their mission and return home safely.”

Following the change of command, attendees toured several C4I and Space System demonstration booths. Mock ups of the MUOS system and Nanosats showcased PEO Space Systems major programs. Other systems on hand were Consolidated Afloat Network Enterprise Service, the Battlespace Exploitation of Mixed Reality lab, the Graphical Data Fusion System and a Littoral Battlespace Sensing Unmanned Undersea Vehicle.

PEO C4I provides integrated communication and information technology systems that enable information warfare and command and control of maritime forces. PEO C4I acquires fields and supports C4I systems that extend across Navy, joint and coalition platforms. This includes managing acquisition programs and projects that cover all C4I disciplines: applications, networks, communications, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems for afloat platforms and shore commands.

PEO Space Systems develops, acquires, integrates, launches, tests and supports seamless space systems capability for the Department of Defense and U.S. agencies. PEO Space Systems coordinates Department of the Navy space research, development and acquisition activities. Their products and services enable joint, coalition, combined and naval operations.