Alexander to relieve Vitale at CNRSE

Alexander takes over a command that leads shore installation management support and execution for 21 Navy installations within the Southeastern United States and parts of the Caribbean - specifically Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and Naval Activity Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico - with a budget of more than $850 million.

Vitale has commanded Navy Region Southeast since October 2007. He guided its emergency management efforts to unprecedented levels of operational excellence during Hurricanes Gustav, Hanna and Ike, making CNRSE one of the Navy's leaders in hurricane preparedness and post-disaster support.

Alexander comes to Navy Region Southeast from his current position as commander, Navy Region Hawaii, and commander, Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific, positions he has held since August 2006.

He graduated from the University of Colorado in 1978 and was commissioned an ensign after completion of Aviation Officer Candidate School in 1981. His operational assignments includ the "Sea Snakes" of HSL-33, three tours with the HSL-46 "Grandmasters" and the amphibious assault ship USS Nassau (LHA 4). Alexander served in a variety of billets, including detachment maintenance officer and officer in charge, squadron naval aviation training and operating procedures standardization officer, quality assurance officer, operations officer, maintenance officer, executive officer and commanding officer. He served as air boss aboard USS Nassau during operations Noble Anvil and Allied Force in 1999.

Shore assignments for Alexander include the "Air Wolves" of HSL-40, Naval War College, Chief of Naval Operations staff, the Joint Staff, and Naval Base Coronado. During these tours, he served as quality assurance officer and instructor pilot, flag aide, aviation programs analyst, division chief and commanding officer.

Alexander holds a master of arts degree from the Naval War College. He attended the Armed Forces Staff College in 1998. He was recognized by the Naval Helicopter Association as a member of the 1993 Aircrew of the Year (embarked) and in 1989, he received the Rear Adm. Allan G. Paulson award for inspirational leadership from Commander, Helicopter Sea Control Wing 3.

Rear Adm. Michael Vitale

Vitale, a 1977 University of Louisville graduate, spearheaded the formation of the Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) Air Operations Cross-Functional Team to identify major stakeholders and create a single process owner for shore-based air operations, bringing organizational alignment between resource sponsors, CNIC, and all major aviation stakeholders.

Vitale also executed an integrated encroachment plan to serve as the benchmark for enterprise-wide programs, including installation liaison officers and regional encroachment teams. He secured Department of Defense encroachment buffering funds and established strong partnerships with local communities. He brought solutions to installation challenges and stood as the model for innovative practices, which realized significant savings, promoted enhanced operational oversight, and supported the fleet, fighter, and family.

Vitale has been selected for promotion to vice admiral and his next assignment will be as commander, Navy Installations Command in Washington D.C.