Cmdr. Nicole Scherer Assumes Command of NTAG New England

Cmdr. Nicole Scherer takes command of Navy Talent Acquisition Group New England

A leadership transition occurred at Naval Station Newport on November 6, 2026, as Cmdr. Nicole Scherer officially assumed command of Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) New England. She relieved Cmdr. Calvin S. Beads during a formal change of command ceremony held at the Marine Detachment, marking a significant shift for the organization responsible for naval recruitment across a massive swath of the Northeast.

According to a report from DVIDS, the ceremony was officiated by Capt. Todd Levant, the commodore of Navy Recruiting Region East. The transition comes at a critical time for the Navy’s regional manpower efforts, as the command oversees the enlistment of both sailors and officers throughout Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Eastern New York.

The human impact of regional recruitment numbers

The scale of the command’s mission was underscored by Scherer during her remarks, where she contextualized the administrative work of the recruiters through the lens of fleet readiness. She noted that the impact of the outgoing commander’s leadership is visible in the literal staffing of the Navy’s most vital assets.

“The numbers tell the story of your impact: under your tenure these past 3 years, this command sent roughly 4,000 Sailors and Officers to the Fleet,” Scherer said. “That is nearly enough to man an entire aircraft carrier. Somewhere out there, a flight deck is full, a galley is staffed, and a ship is ready to get underway because of your leadership and the work of this team.”

This figure—4,000 personnel over a three-year period—highlights the sheer volume of human capital required to sustain active naval operations. For the communities spanning from the New England coast to Eastern New York, the NTAG New England office serves as the primary gateway for civilian populations to enter military service.

During the proceedings, Capt. Levant presented Cmdr. Beads with the Meritorious Service Medal. This award recognized his performance not only as the commanding officer but also during his previous tenure as the command’s executive officer.

A legacy of leadership and future mission requirements

In his farewell address, Beads focused on the personal importance of the recruiting mission, addressing the officers and enlisted ranks directly. He emphasized the weight of their daily responsibilities in maintaining the Navy’s strength.

“Never forget your job matters and you are important,” Beads told the gathered personnel. “Be proud of who you are and what you have accomplished. I am proud of each and everyone one of you. It has been an honor of my lifetime to serve as your commanding officer.”

The incoming commander, Scherer, originally hails from Malvern, Pennsylvania. Her transition into the role follows her time serving as the command’s executive officer, a position that provided her with direct oversight of the operations she now leads.

As NTAG New England moves forward under Scherer’s leadership, the command remains headquartered in Boston, serving as a vital link between the civilian workforce of the Northeast and the operational requirements of the United States Navy.

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