USS Kidd Change of Command

EVERETT, WA, UNITED STATES

10.25.2019

Courtesy Story

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71)     

EVERETT, WA. (NSE) – The guided-missile destroyer USS Kidd (DDG 100) held a change of command ceremony at Naval Station Everett on Oct. 25, 2019, as Cmdr. Matthew McNealy turned over the role of commanding officer to Cmdr. Nathan Wemett.

Family, friends, and the ship’s 308-member crew were in attendance for the celebrated event.

“Naval Station Everett holds a special place in my heart,” McNealy said in his speech. “It was here that I joined my first ship 19 plus years ago, and I was so fortunate to get to come back to lead this magnificent team. It has been the crew that makes this position as commanding officer so rewarding. Crew: I’ve said it before ... you are what makes Kidd so special. I will be cheering you on and look forward to the opportunity of serving with you at future duty stations.”

McNealy, a native of Owl’s Head, Maine, led the crew of USS Kidd from August 2018 to October 2019. During his tenure, Kidd successfully completed a strenuous Basic Phase, certifying the ship in all warfare areas. McNealy also led the ship through Northern Edge, an exercise that projected the Navy’s power in the Gulf of Alaska, as well as several other extensive training exercises, one of which included the launch of two SM-2 missiles. Despite an arduous underway schedule, the ship successfully completed multiple material inspections, including an intensive Board of Inspection Survey which occurs once every five years.

McNealy leaves the ship to join Naval Surface Force Pacific and assume the duties of N6.

During the ceremony, McNealy read his orders and transferred command to Wemett, who read his orders, assumed command, and addressed the audience as commanding officer of Kidd.

“I am honored to once again have the opportunity to command a ship in the U.S. Navy,” said Wemett. “I look forward to facing the challenges ahead with this phenomenal crew.”
Wemett, a native of Fairfield, Calif., assumed command of Kidd in accordance with the Navy’s Fleet-up Program after serving as Kidd’s executive officer. His previous assignments include USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), USS Boxer (LHD 4), USS Sampson (DDG 102), and MCM Crew Persistent.

Commissioned in 2007, the ship is named in honor of Rear Adm. Isaac C. Kidd, who was killed directing the defense of Pearl Harbor from the bridge of USS Arizona and who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. USS Kidd is assigned to Destroyer Squadron 23 and is homeported in Everett, Wash.

For more information on USS Kidd, please visit:
https://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/ddg100/Pages/default.aspx

• Date Taken: 10.25.2019
• Date Posted: 10.30.2019 11:39
• Story ID: 349884
• Location: EVERETT, WA, US