Prepositioning Ships Squadron 3 Holds Change of Command in Guam

Photo By Reynaldo Rabara | GUAM (May 12, 2022) -- After being at the helm of Maritime Prepositioning Ships Squadron 3 for two years, Capt. John Bub, wrapped up his command tour during a change-of-command ceremony aboard USNS 2nd Lt. John P. Bobo (T-AK 3008) while in port Guam, May 12. Maritime Prepositioning Ships Squadron 3 strategically places material and equipment throughout the Indo-Pacific Region for all U.S. Armed Services. This capability ensures critical supplies are delivered where and when needed and enables U.S. forces to rapidly respond to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts. (U.S. Navy photo by Reynaldo T. Rabara)  

GUAM

05.16.2022

Story by Leslie Hull-Ryde 

Military Sealift Command Far East

GUAM -- After being at the helm of Maritime Prepositioning Ships Squadron 3 for two years, Capt. John Bub, wrapped up his command tour during a change-of-command ceremony aboard USNS 2nd Lt. John P. Bobo (T-AK 3008) while in port Guam, May 12.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to have been part of the prepositioning force, providing essential support to every branch of the armed forces,” Bub said.

“This amazing staff and the incredible civil service and contracted mariner crews are critical to the success of our warfighters throughout this region.”

Maritime Prepositioning Ships Squadron 3 strategically places material and equipment throughout the Indo-Pacific Region for all U.S. Armed Services. This capability ensures critical supplies are delivered where and when needed and enables U.S. forces to rapidly respond to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts.

“For the past year, I’ve had the pleasure of working with John, getting a chance to understand his mission here with MPSRON 3 and how vital this support is for the fleet,” said Rear Adm. Benjamin Nicholson, commander Joint Region Marianas, who was the guest speaker for the change-of-command ceremony.

“The mission simply cannot be accomplished without the support, not only from prepositioning ships of MPSRON 3, but from the leadership that’s behind them. During Capt. Bub’s tour here, the team completed some impressive feats and made incredible strides.”

Under Bub’s leadership, MPSRON 3 orchestrated operations in support of nine major joint and multilateral exercises throughout the Indo-Pacific Area of Operations. During his tenure, Bub is credited with implementing innovative processes that save the Navy more than $12 million.

“His visionary leadership boosted the engagement and operational focus of the squadron and staff in the face of a dynamic and challenging COVID-19 global pandemic and aligned staff watches and efforts to theater operational plans and Military Sealift Command requirements,” said Rear Adm. Michael A. Wettlaufer, commander of Military Sealift Command.

“His sound judgment, decisive leadership and skill as a mariner were hallmarks in keeping ships assigned to him safe. In addition, his personal interest in the well-being and professional development of each Sailor and mariner under his charge inspired exceptional team performance.”

Bub enlisted in the Navy in 1986 and served as an electronics technician aboard USS Curts (FFG 38). Through the Enlisted Commissioning Program, the Giles County, Tennessee, native attended the University of Mississippi, graduating with a degree in business administration and a commission as a naval surface warfare officer.

Sea tours include USS Russell (DDG 59), USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51), USS Robin (MHC 54), and USS Nitze (DDG 94). Prior to MPSRON 3, his most recent sea tour assignment was as chief of staff and senior inspector at the Board of Inspection and Survey.

“It has been an honor to deploy numerous times, participate in countless exercises and lead many Sailors at sea,” said Bub who earned a Master of Business Administration in financial management from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California.

In addition to several afloat assignments, Bub served at commands ashore. Stateside, he has been assigned to U.S. Fleet Forces Command, U.S. 2nd Fleet and at the Tactical Training Group Atlantic in Norfolk, Virginia. Bub’s Pentagon assignments included both the Secretary of the Navy and Chief of Naval Operations’ staffs. In addition to his MPSRON 3 assignment, Bub served overseas with U.S. European Command in Stuttgart, Germany. From MPSRON 3, he will head to the Naval Safety Command in Norfolk, Virginia.

Capt. Steven Wasson, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, relieved Bub, as the commodore in charge of MSPRON 3.

“I am thrilled to be part of this important team in this strategic location,” he said.

“Commodore Bub has set a solid foundation for our path going forward. Together, we will continue to support warfighters throughout the Indo-Pacific Region.”

Wasson who earned his commission from Officer Candidate School in 1999, graduated from the University of South Dakota and earned a Master of Science in management and information systems from Troy University.

He served aboard USS Shreveport (LPD-12), USS Nashville (LPD-13), USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG-49), and USS Essex (LHD-2). He took command of USS Ashland (LSD-48) after serving as the ship’s executive officer.

Ashore, Wasson was assigned to Afloat Training Group Atlantic, Amphibious Force U.S. 7th Fleet, on the Chief of Naval Operations staff and as an instructor at the Surface Warfare Officer School. Before assuming command of MPSRON 3, Wasson was assigned to U.S. 5th Fleet.

“There will be many memories to be made here, and I’m sure you will find Guam, [the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands], Palau, [the Federated States of Micronesia] and the region full of good-hearted people who share the same principles and values, have love for their families, and take care of their community,” Nicholson said when welcoming Wasson to his new position.

• Date Taken: 05.16.2022
• Date Posted: 05.17.2022 03:52
• Story ID: 420781
• Location: GU
• Hometown: OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, US