Kearsarge Changes Command

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Casey Moore | 210731-N-YH603-1036 ATLANTIC OCEAN (July 31, 2021) Capt. Neil Koprowski departs the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) after being relieved of command July 31, 2021. Capt. Tom Foster relieved Koprowski as the 20th commanding officer of Kearsarge. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Casey Moore)  

NORFOLK, VA, UNITED STATES

07.31.2021

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jacob Vermeulen 

USS Kearsarge (LHD 3)

ATLANTIC OCEAN - Capt. Neil Koprowski, 19th commanding officer of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), was relieved of command by Capt. Tom Foster July 31, 2021 after nearly three years as the ship’s executive officer and then commanding officer.
“It has been the honor of my lifetime to serve as the commanding officer of this fine warship,” said Koprowski. “As my time aboard comes to a close I want to thank the crew, Chiefs Mess, Wardroom and families of Kearsarge for your contribution to the success of this command and as an extension of that, the preservation of our national defense.”
Koprowski, a native of New York, received his commission from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1995 with a bachelor’s degree in oceanography. He assumed command of Kearsarge following a deployment to the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation in 2019 and led the ship through a 12-month maintenance availability, the ship’s basic phase in preparation for deployment and several major inspections, including an assessment by the Board of Inspection and Survey.
Koprowski’s next assignment will be as the Branch Head for Navy Programs, Plans and Development at the Pentagon on the OPNAV staff.
“This team’s compassion will help continue the courage, toughness and resiliency in the constant pursuit of protecting our way of life and defend free and democratic societies around the globe,” said Koprowski. “I want to thank you as a humble ship’s captain who is grateful to have had the honor of serving on a warship with the finest crew, with the finest support to do the most amazing things.”
The officers read their orders and transferred authority and responsibility in the pilot house in accordance with naval tradition.
Foster also received his commission from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1995 with a bachelor’s degree in political science.
“I am honored to be your next commanding officer and I will give you my absolute best effort,” said Foster. “I know we can build a winning culture that each of us is proud to be a part of and I am truly honored and proud to be a part of the Kearsarge team.”

• Date Taken: 07.31.2021
• Date Posted: 08.02.2021 13:23
• Story ID: 402229
• Location: NORFOLK, VA, US
• Hometown: NEW YORK, NY, US