USS Gonzalez holds Change of Command

NORFOLK, UNITED STATES

08.12.2009

Courtesy Story

Navy Public Affairs Support Element East - (Reserve)

Norfolk, Va. - The Norfolk-based guided-missile destroyer USS Gonzalez will hold a change of command ceremony onboard Naval Station Norfolk Aug. 14, when Cmdr. Lynn Acheson will relieve Cmdr. Brian Fort.

Highlights of Fort's tour include taking command the first day of Gonzalez' NATO deployment to the Mediterranean Sea, operating with eight different NATO navies, seeing Sailors achieve their personal and professional goals, and creating a strong-family atmosphere among the crew of Gonzalez.

Fort's next assignment is commanding officer at the Nuclear Power Training Unit, Ballston Spa, New York.

USS Gonzalez is named in honor of Sergeant Alfredo "Freddy" Gonzalez, USMC, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his intrepidity and gallantry while leading his platoon in the Battle of Hue City during the Vietnam War in 1968. Gonzalez was the first Mexican-American to be awarded the Medal of Honor and is survived by his mother Dolia Gonzalez.

Dolia Gonzalez will be traveling from her home in Edinburgh, Texas, to attend the Change of Command ceremony, which coincides with her 80th birthday.

"I am honored to have had the opportunity to maintain a close, personal relationship with Mrs. Gonzalez," said Fort. "The crew and my family and I stay in touch with her throughout the year, but particularly on Mother's Day and her birthday. She is our ship's mother."

Acheson reports to Gonzalez from the Navy Staff and most recently served at sea as Executive Officer onboard USS Mason.

• Date Taken: 08.12.2009
• Date Posted: 08.12.2009 17:42
• Story ID: 37434
• Location: NORFOLK, US