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REAR Adm. Paul J. Bushong’s position as Commander of the Joint Region Marianas; U.S. Defense Representative Guam, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of Palau; and Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Marianas, will be taken over by another officer after today’s change of command ceremony.
Taking charge will be Rear Adm. Tilghman D. Payne, who previously served as Commander of Navy Region Midwest, Great Lakes, and Illinois.
After relinquishing command, Bushong will serve as U.S. Security Coordinator of the Israel-Palestinian Authority. He has also been nominated for a promotion to Vice Admiral.
The ceremony will take place at the Joint Region Marianas Headquarters in Nimitz Hill.
Payne received his commission from the U.S. Naval Academy. Following graduation he served as fire control officer in USS Richard L. Page (FFG 5) and then commissioning main propulsion assistant and later ship control officer in USS Elrod (FFG 55).
Other afloat assignments include: chief engineer in USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49), material officer for commander, Destroyer Squadron Six, flag secretary for commander, Cruiser Destroyer Group Two, and executive officer in USS Kiska (AE 35). He also commanded USS Nicholas (FFG 47).
Assignments ashore include the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif., (MS in Systems Technology (ASW)), action officer on the staff of the chief of naval operations (N86, Surface and Expeditionary Warfare Readiness, Manpower and Training), National Defense University (MS, National Security Resources), and military advisor to director, Operational Test and Evaluation in the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
Following his tour as commanding officer, Fleet Activities, Sasebo, Japan, Payne served as executive assistant to the assistant secretary of the Navy (Energy, Installations & Environment).
His personal awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (two awards), Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy Commendation Medal (six awards) and the Navy Achievement Medal (two awards).
