New leadership takes command at world’s largest naval base

NORFOLK, Va. — A leadership transition is underway at Naval Station Norfolk, as Capt. Ray Glenn officially took command Thursday of the world’s largest naval base.

Glenn relieved Capt. Matt Schlarmann during a formal change of command ceremony attended by military leaders, local dignitaries, and family members. The time-honored event signifies the transfer of authority and responsibility for the installation’s operations.

Now as commanding officer, Glenn oversees a base spanning more than 6,000 acres that supports 63 ships, nearly 200 aircraft, and more than 67,000 military and civilian personnel. Naval Station Norfolk serves as a critical hub for fleet readiness and global naval operations.

Glenn brings more than 30 years of Navy experience to the role, including both enlisted and commissioned service. A native of Humboldt, Tennessee, he enlisted in 1992 and began his career in the nuclear field, attending Naval Nuclear Field “A” School and Nuclear Power School in Orlando before reporting to USS Frank Cable.

While serving there, Glenn was selected for the Enlisted Commissioning Program. He later earned his commission through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps after graduating from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering.

Following commissioning, Glenn completed Surface Warfare Officer training in Newport, Rhode Island, and went on to a wide range of sea assignments. His roles included gunnery officer aboard USS Ticonderoga, division officer aboard USS George Washington, operations officer aboard USS Cole, main propulsion assistant aboard USS Harry S. Truman, executive officer aboard USS Oscar Austin and USS Gonzalez and commanding officer of USS Gonzalez.

Most recently, he served as reactor officer aboard USS Nimitz from 2021 to 2023.

His shore assignments have spanned training, inspections, and operational analysis, including work with Commander Strike Force Training Atlantic, the Nuclear Propulsion Examining Board under U.S. Pacific Fleet, and the Joint Staff’s operational analysis division. He also served as senior readiness assessor for Naval Surface Forces Atlantic and as executive assistant to the commander of Navy Region Mid-Atlantic.

Glenn is also familiar with Naval Station Norfolk itself, having previously served as the base’s executive officer.

During Thursday’s ceremony, he reflected on his personal connection to military service.

“Service is in my DNA… every generation of my family has answered the call to serve this nation,” Glenn said.

The ceremony also recognized Schlarmann’s tenure leading the installation before the formal transfer of command.

With Glenn now at the helm, Naval Station Norfolk continues its role as a cornerstone of U.S. naval power, supporting operations across the globe.