By Lt. jg. Lauren Chatmas
USS Lassen Public Affairs Officer and Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Peter Burghart, Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka Public Affairs
YOKOSUKA, Japan – The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82) held a change of command ceremony May 13, while moored at its forward-deployed home port in Yokosuka, Japan.
As the ship’s company and invited guests looked on Cmdr. Michael Smith was relieved by Cmdr. Robert Francis during the traditional ceremony held pier-side at Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY). The ceremony was nearly moved inside due to a typhoon brushing near CFAY the day prior, but the weather cleared allowing for the ceremony to go forward as planned.
Reflecting on his experiences on Lassen, Cmdr. Smith remarked, “Here in FDNF we are provided with the best people, the most underway evolutions, the best base support and, the most opportunities to fire our guns and missiles.”
Smith was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) from the ceremony’s guest speaker Capt. Shan M. Byrne, Commander Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15 for his time as Lassen’s commanding officer. Smith had commanded the Lassen since December 2013.
According to the MSM award presentation, the Lassen while under Smith’s command, proved herself through the most demanding and intensive inspection a ship goes through, Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV). Additionally, during the past 17 months, Lassen has made port calls to several countries in the Western Pacific, including Guam, Donghae, Republic of Korea Okinawa, and Pyongtaek, Republic of Korea.
Cmdr. Smith’s next assignment will be at the Joint Staff (JS) Ballistic Missile Defense Asia Pacific Cell in the Pentagon.
During the ceremony, Francis commended Smith on his successful tour and thanked him for turning over a great warship and remarkable crew.
“I look forward to guiding the Lassen and her crew as we continue to execute the missions of the Navy and build alliances in the Western Pacific.”
Lassen will change homeports from Yokosuka to Mayport, Florida, following the ship’s next patrol this spring.
Date Taken: | 05.13.2015 |
Date Posted: | 05.14.2015 02:32 |
Story ID: | 163268 |
Location: | YOKOSUKA, KANAGAWA, JP |
Web Views: | 111 |
Downloads: | 1 |
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