USS Anchorage Holds Change of Command

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew Dickinson | 161216-N-GG858-024 SAN DIEGO (December 16, 2016) Capt. Jeffrey Craig passes through sideboys during a change of command ceremony aboard San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Anchorage (LPD 23). Capt. Craig assumed command from Capt. J.J. Cummings during the ceremony held in the ship's well deck. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew Dickinson/Released)  

SAN DIEGO, CA, UNITED STATES

12.16.2016

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew Dickinson 

USS Anchorage (LPD 23)

SAN DIEGO – Capt. Jeffrey Craig relieved Capt. J.J. Cummings as Commanding Officer aboard San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Anchorage (LPD 23) during a change of command ceremony, December 16.

Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 3, Rear Adm. Daniel Fillion served as the ceremony's guest speaker and presiding officer.

“The Anchorage has continuously demonstrated three things,” said Fillion, “Stewardship, mentorship and leadership, Capt. Cummings, you absolutely made a difference”

Cummings, a native of Sharon, Mass., attended Aviation Officer Candidate School in November of 1991, earned his pilot wings in October 1993 and completed Fleet Replacement training in the F-14/A Tomcat in June 1995. Capt. Cummings’ fleet tours flying the F-14 were with the VF-24 “Fighting Renegades” and VF-211 “Checkmates” on USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Ashore, Capt. Cummings served as an F-14 Instructor Pilot in the VF-101 “Grim Reapers” where he graduated from the Navy Fighter Weapon School (TOPGUN) as a Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor.

Before reading his orders, Capt. Cummings addressed the crew for the last time.

“It has been a privilege being your commanding officer and I look forward to hearing all the great things you and this great warship are going to do in the future,” Said Cummings, “Continue to live and breathe military bearing, continue to take care of each other, and be proud you are in the U.S. Navy”

After Capt. Cummings read his orders and officially turned over his position as commanding officer, Capt. Craig gave his remarks to the crew.

I can see the ship looks fantastic,” said Craig, “I have never been aboard a ship where I felt more at home so I really appreciate the warm welcome and camaraderie we’ve had thus far.”

Captain Craig received his wings as a Naval Aviator in September 1995 and, after training in the EA-6B Prowler at VAQ-129, was assigned as a pilot to VAQ-139 at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington. In February 2000, Captain Craig reported to the Electronic Attack Weapons School as an EA-6B Instructor Pilot and was designated a Prowler Tactics Instructor in June 2000. He reported to the VAQ-132 Scorpions as the Executive Officer and assumed command of the Scorpions in July 2010. In November 2010, he led the Scorpions on the first operational deployment of an EA-18G Growler squadron. In April 2014, Captain Craig successfully completed the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program and reported to USS Theodore Roosevels (CVN 71) as the aircraft carrier’s Executive Officer.

Captain Craig’s personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with Combat "V", Strike Flight Air Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various campaign and unit awards.

“I’m certainly humble to be here” said Craig, “I look forward to serving alongside you as we get this ship back to sea and back into the fight, dedicated to mission success, ready for action.”

Anchorage was built at the Huntington Ingalls Shipbuilding site in Avondale, Louisiana and is the seventh San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship. Delivered to the U.S. Navy on Sept. 17, 2012, the ship was commissioned on May 4, 2013 in the namesake city of Anchorage, Alaska.

• Date Taken: 12.16.2016
• Date Posted: 12.19.2016 16:57
• Story ID: 218174
• Location: SAN DIEGO, CA, US