Rhode Island native assumes command of Naval Station Newport

By: The Associated Press

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NEWPORT, R.I. (AP) — A U.S. Navy captain and Rhode Island native is now in command of Naval Station Newport.              

Capt. Ian Johnson, a native of South Kingstown, Rhode Island, assumed command from Capt. Dennis Boyer in a ceremony Friday.              

Longtime staff at the station could not recall ever having a commanding officer from Rhode Island.                

Johnson spoke at the ceremony about the rich history of the Navy in Newport.            

He says it’s a special day because he’s assuming command and coming home.              

Boyer led the installation since September 2014.

He oversaw many facility improvements and led a team of hundreds who provided housing, security and other services.              

The station provides facilities and infrastructure support for 50 tenant commands located there.          

Johnson, a submarine officer, commanded the USS Connecticut from 2011 to 2014.

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