USS Freedom Change of Command

Photo By Lt.j.g. Jasmine Spencer | 190726-N-BQ610-966 SAN DIEGO (July 26, 2019) - Cmdr. Larry Repass, a native of Chicago, addresses the audience during a change of command ceremony held aboard the littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1). During the ceremony, Repass relieved Cmdr. Jose Roman (seated center), a native of Miami, as the commanding officer of Freedom. LCS vessels are high-speed, agile, shallow draft, mission-focused surface combatants designed for operations in the littoral environment, yet fully capable of open ocean operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Ens. Zachary Fuerst /Released)  

SAN DIEGO, CA, UNITED STATES

07.26.2019

Courtesy Story

Commander, Littoral Combat Ship Squadron 1

By Ens. Zachary Fuerst, USS Freedom (LCS 1) Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (July 26, 2019) -- The Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1) held a change of command ceremony on the ship’s flight deck at Naval Base San Diego, July 26.

Cmdr. Larry Repass, a native of Chicago, assumed command of the ship from Cmdr. Jose Roman, a native of Miami.

Roman completed a 19-month command tour with Freedom, which included ship-wide certification events, tactics enhancement, and rigorous training. Under Roman’s leadership, Freedom won the Battle “E” and was the first Freedom-variant littoral combat ship to complete a Congressional Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV).

“I couldn't be more proud of the amazing accomplishments of Team Freedom,” said Roman. “USS Freedom is now back in the fleet as an operational warship ready for tasking."

Roman’s next assignment is with Carrier Strike Group One surface operations.

Repass, who recently served as commanding officer of USS Coronado (LCS 4), said he is honored to command another LCS.

“I am thrilled to be taking the helm of Team Freedom at this vital time in the ship’s life,” said Repass. “The crew’s incredible accomplishments speak for themselves, and there is nowhere else I would rather be in our fleet.”

Freedom serves as a mission module testing platform along with USS Independence (LCS 2) USS Fort Worth (LCS 3), and USS Coronado (LCS 4) and is assigned to Commander, Littoral Combat Ship Squadron ONE.

LCS vessels are highly versatile, mission focused surface combatant ships designed to operate in the littoral regions, as well as on the open ocean. The LCS is designed to respond to evolving threats through integration with innovative mine hunting, sonar, and surface engagement technology. All of these groundbreaking technologies provide enhanced experiences for all sailors to learn and grow during their service on board. The LCS satisfies a vital need for the United States Navy to operate in shallow water as well as the high seas.

• Date Taken: 07.26.2019
• Date Posted: 07.26.2019 22:56
• Story ID: 333000
• Location: SAN DIEGO, CA, US
• Hometown: CHICAGO, IL, US
• Hometown: MIAMI, FL, US