Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Devin Kates | Capt. Karrey Sanders departs amphibious transport dock ship USS Portland (LPD 27)...... read more read more
Capt. Matthew C. Thomas relieved Capt. K. DeWayne Sanders as commanding officer of amphibious transport dock ship USS Portland (LPD 27) during a change of command ceremony aboard the ship while underway in the Pacific Ocean, Aug. 6.
Portland held the ceremony in the pilot house over the ship’s announcing system (1MC). Capt. John J. Barnett, commander, Amphibious Squadron (CPR) 1, presided over the ceremony.
“I’d like to thank the crew of the Portland for their hard work, motivation, and unrelenting spirit throughout our pre-deployment work ups,” said Sanders. “We weathered uncharted territory with COVID-19 and never failed to perform at the varsity level through every evolution and exercise. There is no doubt in my mind that you are ready to fight the ship through her maiden deployment.”
Under Sanders, the crew successfully completed the basic, advanced, and integrated training phases, conducted groundbreaking laser testing on the 150 KW Laser Weapons System Demonstrator (LWSD), and earned a Battle “E” Efficiency Award for 2020.
“I am humbled and honored to have served as your captain, and I am looking forward to continue to serve you as your commodore,” said Sanders.
Thomas addressed the crew for the first time as commanding officer, thanking Sanders and looking forward to Portland’s future.
“I am grateful for Capt. Sanders and his leadership in molding these warriors into a formidable fighting force,” he said. “To the Portland family, thank you for your service and sacrifice back home. Your Sailors have volunteered their service and continue to secure our freedoms and way of life at home and abroad.”
Thomas, a native of Nashport, Ohio, is a 1997 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering. He holds a master’s degree in Security Policy Studies from the Naval Post Graduate School. Thomas previously served as executive officer of aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) and is Portland’s fourth commanding officer.
Sanders’ next assignment is commodore of CPR 1, which is based out of San Diego and falls under commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 3.
Portland is a San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship homeported in San Diego. It is the third ship to bear the name but the first to be named solely after the largest city in Oregon.
| Date Taken: | 08.06.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 08.13.2021 16:29 |
| Story ID: | 402890 |
| Location: | USPACOM, AT SEA |
| Hometown: | NASHPORT, OH, US |
| Web Views: | 641 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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