Rear Adm. Townsend G. Alexander was replaced by Rear Adm. Dixon R. Smith as commander of Navy Region Hawai'i and Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific during a ceremony at Pearl Harbor.

"I am thankful for spending the last two years in the beautiful state of Hawai'i," Alexander said at the Friday ceremony.

Alexander assumed command here on Aug. 8, 2006. During his 26-month tour, Alexander executed phases of the Navy's first public-private-venture housing project, achieved five-star accreditation for bachelor housing and galley services, and oversaw the redevelopment of the Moana-lua Shopping Center.

Smith said he's had the privilege of serving in many locations throughout the world during his career, but never in Hawai'i.

"I am excited to continue to build upon the relationship Rear Adm. Alexander and his predecessors have developed, and I look forward to being a good and engaged neighbor," said the native of Greens Farms, Conn.

During the ceremony, Vice Adm. Robert T. Conway Jr., commander of Navy Installations Command, presented Alexander with the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services.

Alexander's next assignment will be as commander of Navy Region Southeast, which encompasses Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee, as well as the Caribbean, Cuba and Puerto Rico.

Smith previously was commanding officer of Naval Base San Diego.

As commander of Navy Region Hawai'i, Smith will serve as the regional coordinator for all shore-based naval personnel and shore activities in Hawai'i.

He also will be responsible for the maintenance and training of the 11 surface ships homeported at Pearl Harbor.