WASHINGTON – Rear Adm. David J. Faehnle was relieved by Rear Adm. Suzanne M. Bailey as commandant, Naval District Washington (NDW) during a change of command ceremony at Washington Navy Yard's Leutze Park, Aug. 12, 2026.
"When I assumed command two years ago, I looked at the calendar, and I was excited about the opportunities,” said Faehnle. “I could predict to the entire team that our schedule would be busy, that we would be involved in historic events, and that we would have the opportunity to participate in some of the nation's most influential moments. Your accomplishments have exceeded all my expectations."
Vice Adm. Scott Gray, commander, Navy Installations Command, was the guest speaker and presiding officer. He commended Faehnle for his accomplishments and steadfast leadership during his time in command and welcomed Bailey to the region.
“Rear Admiral Dave Faehnle managed immense complexity while never losing sight of the people behind the mission, and he has truly moved this region forward,” said Gray. “We are excited to welcome Rear Adm. Suzanne Bailey, who understands both the operational Navy and how our installations make those operations possible.”
Under Faehnle’s leadership, the region directed operations across six naval installations, providing strategic oversight and executive leadership to over 3,700 military and civilian personnel. He spearheaded complex logistical support for seven National Special Security Events including the 2024 North Atlantic Treaty Organization summit, the 60th Presidential Inauguration, and the state funeral of former President Jimmy Carter. Additionally, Faehnle directed critical life support and repatriation efforts for 1,451 non-combatant evacuees during Operation Epic Fury.
"NDW is not about one leader,” said Faehnle. “It is a team - a family - of thousands of Sailors and civilians, active duty and reserve, that work hard every single day to provide security, infrastructure, and services to some of the highest profile missions, tenants, and residents in the Navy and the nation."
Bailey became NDW's 95th commandant during the ceremony.
“My vision for Naval District Washington is straightforward,” said Bailey. “We will treat every installation as a warfighting platform, every resource as a readiness investment, and every member of this team as a contributor to combat power.”
Bailey will also serve as deputy commander of the Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region. Prior to reporting to NDW, Bailey’s previous assignment was deputy commander of U.S. Third Fleet.
"The ability of our Navy to deploy, fight, sustain itself, recover, and fight again starts ashore,” said Bailey. “It starts with secure installations. Resilient infrastructure. Safe housing. Modern facilities. Protected networks. Capable emergency services. And people who know that the Navy values where they work, where they train, and where their families live. Readiness at sea is built ashore. And nowhere is that responsibility more consequential than here."
NDW is the regional provider of common operating support to naval installations in the National Capital Region. NDW is responsible for efficiently delivering these support services to more than 120 mission commands located within its geographical borders. NDW encompasses more than 4,000 square miles, including the District of Columbia; the Maryland counties of Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Frederick, Montgomery, Prince George's, and St. Mary's; and northern Virginia counties of Loudoun, Fauquier, Fairfax, Prince William, Stafford, King George, Westmoreland, and Arlington, and the cities within their outer boundaries.