Coastal Riverine Group 2 Holds Change of Command Ceremony

Photo By Chief Petty Officer Karen Rybarczyk | Capt. Ty Britt returns the salute of Capt. Robert Klaszky, commander, Coastal Riverine Group (CRG) 2, after being relieved during a change of command ceremony on Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story. The coastal riverine force conducts maritime security operations across all phases of military operations by defending high value assets, critical maritime infrastructure, ports and harbors both inland and on coastal waterways against enemies, and when commanded, conducts offensive combat operations.  

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA, UNITED STATES

04.12.2019

Story by Chief Petty Officer Karen Rybarczyk 

Navy Expeditionary Combat Command

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) – Coastal Riverine Group (CRG) 2 held a change of command ceremony aboard Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story (JEBLC-FS), Apr. 12.

Deputy Commander Capt. Bob Klaszky relieved Capt. Ty Britt as commander of CRG-2. 



Rear Adm. Brian J. Brakke, commander, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) and NECC Pacific, served as guest speaker and offered words of praise for Britt’s accomplishments while leading CRG-2.

“Capt. Britt is part of Coastal Riverine Group Two’s legacy. He guided the men and women of this command to serve as valuable members of our Navy while simultaneously finding ways to invest in the team’s future success by planting the seeds of trees he’ll never see grow.” 



During Britt’s command, four Coastal Riverine Squadrons, three High Value Escort detachments and one Forward Deployed Detachment provided sustained critical warfighting capability to operational commanders worldwide. Also notable during Britt’s tenure was the finalization of the 40-foot patrol boat acquisition, which will bring enhanced capabilities to the Coastal Riverine Force (CRF) as it begins to replace to 34-foot patrol boat in the near future. Britt was also responsible for the improving the training and readiness of more than 2,500 Sailors supporting global operations.

"I have been honored and privileged to command such a high-caliber team of uniformed Sailors, government civilians, and contractors these past months," Britt said. "Together, we have laid the groundwork for evolving the Coastal Riverine Force and integrating it into the Navy the Nation needs. The teamwork and camaraderie I have enjoyed here have been absolutely remarkable."



Upon being awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Britt read his orders and officially turned over command to Klaszky. 

Klaszky thanked Britt and then addressed the Sailors of CRG-2 for the first time as their commanding officer.



"It has been a true honor and privilege to work alongside Capt. Britt and the warriors of Coastal Riverine Group 2 these last eighteen months,” said Klaszky. “I'm excited and humbled to continue to work with our amazing Sailors and civilians of the Coastal Riverine Force in support of our Navy and our great nation."

As his last official act as Commander, CRG-2, Britt promoted Operations Specialist 2nd Class Bounthavy Vongnikone, Junior Sailor of the Year, and Electronics Technician 3rd Class Michael Brown, Bluejacket of the Year, using the Meritorious Advancement Program which authorizes commanding officers to advance eligible personnel in paygrades E5 and below to the next higher paygrade.

CRG-2, headquartered at JEBLC-FS, oversees all East Coast-based active and reserve component Coastal Riverine Squadrons, including one forward-deployed detachment in Bahrain and Coastal Riverine Training and Evaluation Unit 2. The CRF conducts maritime security operations across all phases of military operations by defending high value assets, critical maritime infrastructure, ports and harbors both inland and on coastal waterways against enemies, and when commanded, conducts offensive combat operations.

• Date Taken: 04.12.2019
• Date Posted: 04.12.2019 16:08
• Story ID: 317982
• Location: VIRGINIA BEACH, VA, US