Mine Countermeasures Squadron Seven Changes Command

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class William Stephens | SASEBO, Japan (Nov. 9, 2023) — Capt. Antonio Hyde is piped ashore for the first time as commodore of Mine Countermeasures Squadron Seven during a change of command ceremony held onboard Fleet Activities Sasebo, Japan Nov. 9, 2023. MCMRON 7 conducts integrated MCM operations using Air, Surface, and Explosive Ordnance Disposal assets in both exercise and regional conflict scenarios throughout the U.S. Seventh Fleet Area of Responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chase Stephens)  

SASEBO, NAGASAKI, JAPAN

11.09.2023

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class William Stephens 

Commander, Mine Countermeasures Squadron SEVEN

SASEBO, Japan – Capt. Antonio Hyde relieved Capt. Michael O’Neill as commodore of Mine Countermeasures Squadron (MCMRON) Seven during a change of command ceremony Nov.9, 2023 at the Community Education Center on Fleet Activities Sasebo.

As commodore, O’Neill’s tour included the successful execution of eight multi-national exercises, utilizing in total; five ships, two helicopter squadrons, and integrated units from explosive ordnance disposal units around the theater. He was influential in building the U.S. Navy’s relationships with the Republic of Korea Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Royal Australian Navy and the Royal New Zealand Navy mine countermeasure forces.

“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to lead the MCMRON team,” said O’Neill. “This team has achieved so much and truly demonstrated a high level of professionalism while operating with all of our allies and partners in the region. We have set a higher standard for how mine countermeasure operations are conducted in Seventh Fleet and established much stronger relationships with our ROKN and JMSDF counterparts. I believe that we have been able to demonstrate to the region how capable the combined MCM force is and that we are ready to respond anywhere in the area of responsibility. I am excited for the future of the squadron as they can continue to build on these relationships and improve mine countermeasure techniques and tactics alongside our partners.”

Rear Adm. Chris Stone presided over the change of command and spoke on O’Neill’s accomplishments as commodore.

“Even when it wasn’t ‘business as usual,’ Mike still looked for opportunities to lead from the front,” said Stone. “He demonstrated what it means to lead responsibly and take initiative to support the combined force at large.”

Hyde previously served as the deputy commodore of MCMRON 7.

“I am excited to have this opportunity,” said Hyde. “I look forward to continuing the culture of success in the squadron and looking for new ways we can advance mine warfare. Our strength really comes through our relationships with allied and partner nations and my goal is to enhance our interoperability and interchangeability in conducting MCM operations across Seventh Fleet.”

O’Neill’s next assignment is to the staff of Director, Military Personnel Plans and Policy (OPNAV N13) in Washington D.C.
Mine Countermeasures Squadron Seven is a combined readiness and tactical staff reporting directly to the Commander, Amphibious Force Seventh Fleet (CTF 76). The squadron consists of MCMRON7 staff, USS Patriot (MCM 7), USS Pioneer (MCM 9), USS Warrior (MCM 10), USS Chief (MCM 14) and Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 15 Detachment 3A (HM-15).

MCMRON 7 conducts integrated MCM operations using Air, Surface, and Explosive Ordnance Disposal assets in both exercise and regional conflict scenarios throughout the U.S. Seventh Fleet Area of Responsibility. Its objective is to provide safe channels for U.S. and allied shipping in addition to freedom of navigation operations for U.S. and allied naval forces in areas susceptible to enemy mining.

• Date Taken: 11.09.2023
• Date Posted: 11.09.2023 20:15
• Story ID: 457530
• Location: SASEBO, NAGASAKI, JP