Reserve Component Command Great Lakes Holds Change of Command Ceremony

08 April 2021

From Cmdr. Todd Spitler, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Reserve Component Command Great Lakes Public Affairs

Capt. Billy D. Franklin relieved Capt. John J. Molinari as Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Reserve Component Command (NRMA RCC) Great Lakes during a change of command ceremony onboard Naval Station Great Lakes, Illinois, April 7.  “In order to ensure our citizen Sailors are warfighting ready, RCC Great Lakes relies on the best leaders and the best Sailors our Navy Reserve has to offer,” said Rear Adm. John A. Schommer, Commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command, who presided over the event. “Therefore, it is my genuine privilege to be part of today’s special ceremony, a transition between two incredible leaders.” 


GREAT LAKES, Ill. – Capt. Billy D. Franklin relieved Capt. John J. Molinari as Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Reserve Component Command (NRMA RCC) Great Lakes during a change of command ceremony onboard Naval Station Great Lakes, Illinois, April 7. 

“In order to ensure our citizen Sailors are warfighting ready, RCC Great Lakes relies on the best leaders and the best Sailors our Navy Reserve has to offer,” said Rear Adm. John A. Schommer, Commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command, who presided over the event. “Therefore, it is my genuine privilege to be part of today’s special ceremony, a transition between two incredible leaders.” 

Molinari has served as the NRMA RCC commander since June 2019. During that time, he led more than 5,400 Selected Reserve (SELRES) Sailors and 350 Full Time Support (FTS) staff at 23 Navy Operational Support Centers (NOSC) across eight states. 

“The Chief of Naval Operation’s Navigation Plan and the Navy Reserve Fighting Instructions discuss the importance of a Navy Reserve that generates warfighting-ready strategic depth,” said Molinari. “This past year was a testament to RCC Great Lakes delivering ready forces on very short order to support COVID-19 response efforts — 458 Sailors from the Region answered the call — many boots on ground within 48 hours; and we are ready to send more to support national vaccination efforts. This success is only possible because of the premier team of professional staffs at the RCC and 23 NOSCs, and the unselfish dedicated citizen-Sailors in the region.” 

During the ceremony, Molinari shared lessons that have shaped his leadership style during his career. 

“Treat people as people,” Molinari said. “Don’t be afraid to lead them; and don’t be afraid to get out of the way and let them do their job. There is no limit to what valued, empowered Sailors and Navy civilians can accomplish.” 

Franklin expressed his enthusiasm to lead the NRMA RCC in its mission to support the Navy with ready, able and well-trained Reserve Sailors.  

“I’m excited to join the all-Star team,” said Franklin. “And I look forward to serving the Sailors in the Navy Region Mid Atlantic RCC.” 

Franklin plans to continue Molinari’s “one-team, one-fight” culture at NRMA RCC through proactive leadership engagement and gaining feedback from his Sailors.  

Later this month, Molinari will transfer to Norfolk, Virginia to become chief of staff for Commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command. 

NRMA RCC Great Lakes serves 23 NOSCs staffed with more than 350 Full-Time Support Sailors and civilians serving over 5,400 Navy Reserve personnel located across eight states. NRMA RCC Great Lakes’ mission is to generate mobilization readiness through providing administrative services, training, management and support to Reserve Sailors in support of operational requirements of the Navy, Marine Corps and Joint Forces team. 

For more news from RCC Great Lakes, visit https://www.facebook.com/RCCGreatLakes 

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Acting Chief of Navy Reserve, Acting, Commander, Navy Reserve Force

Rear Admiral Richard S. Lofgren

Acting Chief of Navy Reserve, Acting, Commander, Navy Reserve Force

Rear Adm. Richard S. Lofgren serves as the Acting Chief of Navy Reserve and Acting Commander, Navy Reserve Force. In this role, he provides strategic leadership and oversight for Navy Reserve personnel and operations worldwide, supporting the readiness and integration of Reserve forces across the fleet. A Surface Warfare Officer, Rear Adm. Lofgren brings extensive operational and command experience across maritime expeditionary, coastal riverine, and surface warfare missions, including service in senior leadership roles supporting U.S. naval operations in multiple geographic combatant commands. His career reflects a sustained commitment to operational excellence, leadership development, and the effective employment of Navy Reserve forces in support of national security objectives.

 

 
Commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command, Deputy Commander, Navy Reserve Force

Rear Admiral Luke A. Frost

Commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command, Deputy Commander, Navy Reserve Force

Rear Adm. Luke Frost is a Surface Warfare Officer with extensive operational, command, and strategic leadership experience across the fleet. He has served in senior command roles at sea and ashore, including command of major surface combatants and amphibious forces operating throughout the Central Command and Indo-Pacific areas of responsibility. As a Flag Officer, Rear Adm. Frost served as Director, Reserve Warfare (OPNAV N0959) on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations, where he provided oversight and strategic guidance for Reserve force integration and readiness. His career reflects a deep commitment to warfighting excellence, joint operations, and the effective employment of naval forces in support of U.S. national security objectives.

 

 
Commander, Naval Air Force Reserve/Deputy Commander, Naval Air Force U.S. Pacific Fleet/Vice Commander, Naval Air Forces

Rear Admiral John Saccomando

Commander, Naval Air Force Reserve/Deputy Commander, Naval Air Force U.S. Pacific Fleet/Vice Commander, Naval Air Forces

Rear Admiral John Saccomando is a Naval Aviator with extensive operational, command, and strategic leadership experience across both active and reserve components. He has served in multiple senior command and flag assignments supporting naval aviation, expeditionary operations, and installation readiness, including leadership roles within U.S. Fleet Forces and Naval Air Forces Atlantic. A combat-experienced aviator, Rear Adm. Saccomando brings deep expertise in joint operations, force integration, and operational readiness, reflecting a sustained commitment to advancing naval capabilities and supporting U.S. national security objectives worldwide.

 

 
Commander, Naval Information Force Reserve

Rear Admiral Gregory K. Emery

Commander, Naval Information Force Reserve

Rear Adm. Greg Emery is a Navy Reserve flag officer with extensive leadership experience across naval oceanography, intelligence, and information warfare. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, he has served in a wide range of operational, command, and staff assignments supporting global naval and joint operations, including senior leadership roles within Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command and the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. Rear Adm. Emery brings deep expertise in intelligence integration, operational support, and information warfare, reflecting a sustained commitment to advancing decision advantage and mission readiness across the fleet.

 

 
Navy Reserve Force Master Chief

Force Master Chief Nicole C. Rios

Navy Reserve Force Master Chief

Force Master Chief Nicole C. Rios serves as the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chief of Navy Reserve, advising on the readiness, welfare, and professional development of approximately 59,000 Reserve Component Sailors supporting Navy, Marine Corps, and joint operations worldwide. A seasoned Command Master Chief, she brings extensive experience across aviation, expeditionary, and information warfare communities, with senior enlisted leadership assignments at the unit, regional, and force levels. Her career reflects a sustained commitment to Sailor advocacy, operational readiness, and the effective integration of Navy Reserve forces in support of national defense objectives.

 

 
Command Master Chief, Commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command

Master Chief Robert W. Lyons II

Command Master Chief, Commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command

Command Master Chief Lyons brings extensive operational and shore-based leadership experience across aviation, logistics, manpower, and readiness organizations within the Navy Reserve enterprise. Selected as a Command Master Chief in 2016, he has served in senior enlisted leadership roles at Navy Operational Support Center Pearl Harbor, Navy Personnel Command, Maritime Support Wing, Fleet Readiness Center Mid-West, and currently serves as the Command Master Chief for Commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command. An Aviation Warfare Specialist, he is recognized for sustained excellence in leadership and readiness, earning multiple personal, joint, and unit awards throughout his career.


 
Command Master Chief, Commander, Naval Air Force Reserve

Master Chief Van "Chris" Louvier

Command Master Chief, Commander, Naval Air Force Reserve

Command Master Chief Louvier enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1997 and brings extensive aviation maintenance and readiness leadership experience across multiple Fleet Logistics, Strike Fighter, Helicopter, and Reserve aviation commands. Selected as a Command Master Chief in 2015, he has served in senior enlisted leadership roles at VR-56, Commander, Tactical Support Wing, Fleet Readiness Center Reserve Mid-West, and currently serves as the Command Master Chief for Commander, Naval Air Force Reserve. An Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist, he is a graduate of the Senior Enlisted Academy and multiple executive leadership programs and has earned numerous personal and unit awards for sustained excellence in leadership and mission readiness.


 

Master Chief Jerry E. Dotson

Command Master Chief, Commander, Naval Information Force Reserve

Master Chief Jerry E. Dotson was born in Garden Grove, California, and raised in Sacramento. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on July 29, 2002, and completed recruit training and Electrician’s Mate “A” School in Great Lakes, Illinois. His career spans operational, reserve, aviation, and senior enlisted leadership assignments, and he currently serves as the Command Master Chief for Commander, Naval Information Force Reserve.

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