SASEBO, Japan -- Commander Amphibious Squadron Eleven (CPR 11) held a change of command ceremony aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) May 15.
Capt. Marvin Thompson relieved Capt. Heidi Agle as commander.
Sailors, Marines, family members, distinguished guests from the community and leaders from the Japan Maritime and Ground Self-Defense Forces attended the ceremony.
Agle assumed command of CPR 11 November 14, 2013. During her tenure, Agle led CPR 11 through several joint exercises with partner nations throughout the Western Pacific.
“To the Officers and Crew of Bonhomme Richard,” said Agle. “Thank you for making this a home for Amphibious Squadron Eleven these many years. We could not meet mission without you. I wish you all the Best of Luck and am proud to have served among you.”
Thompson previously served as the CPR 11 deputy commodore. His previous tours include Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Plans at Expeditionary Strike Group Seven, commanding officer of USS Harper’s Ferry (LSD 49), serving at U.S. Joint Forces Command, Joint Warfighting Center, and academic director at the Surface Warfare School.
"I am humbled to be in Command again,” said Thompson. “I stand here today in awe of this ARG’s capability and talent. Commodore Agle, thank you for bringing our staff so far. We have logged many years and months working together. I would like to publicly thank you for all of your support and trust in me.”
The guest speaker for the ceremony was Rear Adm. Hugh Wetherald, Commander Amphibious Force 7th Fleet. During the ceremony, Wetherald commented on Agle's leadership and the dedication of the Sailors under her command.
"There is nothing you can throw at her and her staff that would find them at a loss for a solution and a sound way ahead,” said Wetherald." I can think of no finer naval officer who has earned the title of Commodore, or the genuine respect by juniors and seniors alike for a job extremely well done.”
Bonhomme Richard is the lead ship of the only forward-deployed U.S. Amphibious Ready Group and serves as the flagship for Combined Task Force 76, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force commander. Task Force 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with a detachment in Sasebo, Japan.
Date Taken: | 05.15.2015 |
Date Posted: | 05.15.2015 22:12 |
Story ID: | 163540 |
Location: | SASEBO, JP |
Web Views: | 310 |
Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Commander Amphibious Squadron Eleven holds change of command, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
LEAVE A COMMENT