DAHLGREN, Va. –
Capt. Jason A. Flanagan assumed command from Capt. Joseph J. Oravec on Sept. 3 at a Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) change of command ceremony where more than 150 people gathered at the Potomac River Test Range gun line.
The traditional ceremony included honoring Oravec for his service and welcoming Flanagan, NSWCDD’s 49th commanding officer. Family, friends, former NSWCDD commanding officers and a technical director, base and tenant leadership, division department leadership and workforce and community leaders attended.
Rear Adm. Pete Small, Acting Commander of Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), presided over the ceremony. “This ceremony is as much about the future as it is about the past. It represents both continuity and renewal. It is how we guarantee stability in our chain of command, ensuring this vital organization – and the Fleet it supports – is always ready for whatever comes next,” he said. “It’s not just about a transition of leadership today; it is a powerful reaffirmation of our trust in our commanders and a testament to the enduring mission of this division.”
Oravec assumed command of that enduring mission in June 2024. He led a workforce of 8,000-plus, with about 4,600 civilians. Small highlighted Oravec’s achievements:
- Enabling the transformation of NSWCDD’s cybersecurity workforce focusing efforts on addressing emerging cyber threats and shifting from traditional security measures towards a modern Zero Trust architecture.
- Improving capital asset accountability from 50% to 92% as part of a Lifecycle Material Accountability process – a three-year strategic effort.
- Accelerating wartime readiness across 13 divisions and activities of the NAVSEA Warfare Center Enterprise, aligning all organizations under a single, unified standard and process.
Oravec reflected on the day he assumed command and was asked what he wanted to accomplish. “I said, ‘I wanna’ win,’” proudly adding, “Dahlgren is winning. I believe that.” Oravec’s next assignment is Major Program Manager for the Zumwalt-Class Program (PMS 500).
He said to Flanagan, “I think you’re taking over the best team out there.”
Oravec then expressed his gratitude to the crowd. “It wasn’t me that did it. It was all of you and I really do appreciate it,” he said. “Thank you for being awesome and go win the day.”
For about a decade, Oravec has been a mentor of Flanagan as well as a friend. “I am fortunate to find myself following in your footsteps,” Flanagan said to Oravec.
Flanagan comes to NSWCDD from working at Missile Defense Agency at Naval Support Facility Dahlgren where he led the Standard Missile-3 Block 1A and 1B Guided Missile Program at the Aegis-Based Defense Program Executive Office. Prior to that, he was the Commanding Officer of Surface Combat Systems Center, Wallops Island, Virginia. He’s served aboard USS Whidbey Island (LSD-41), USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) and USS Mason (DDG-87).
Flanagan concluded, “I am truly happy to be here, proud to be part of this amazing team, and look forward to many more successes, challenges, and triumphs.”