Navy Region Hawaii and the Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific are getting a new commander.

Rear Adm. Dixon Smith will replace Rear Adm. Townsend Alexander in a Friday morning ceremony at Pearl Harbor.

Alexander serves as regional coordinator for all shore-based naval personnel and shore activities in Hawaii. He is also responsible for the maintenance and training of the 11 surface warships home-ported in Pearl Harbor.

Alexander's next assignment will be as commander of Navy Region Southeast.

Smith previously served as commanding officer of Naval Base San Diego. He received his commission from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1983 and was designated a surface warfare officer in 1985.