Sailors render honors to Cmdr. Kevin Smith, outgoing commanding officer of the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Omaha (LCS 12), during a change of command ceremony held at Naval Base San Diego, July 29. Littoral combat ships are fast, optimally-manned, mission-tailored surface combatants that operate in near-shore and open-ocean environments, winning against 21st-century threats. LCS integrate with joint, combined, manned and unmanned teams to support forward-presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence missions around the globe. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kassandra Alanis)
Sailors render honors to Cmdr. Kevin Smith, outgoing commanding officer of the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Omaha (LCS 12), during a change of command ceremony held at Naval Base San Diego, July 29. Littoral combat ships are fast, optimally-manned, mission-tailored surface combatants that operate in near-shore and open-ocean environments, winning against 21st-century threats. LCS integrate with joint, combined, manned and unmanned teams to support forward-presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence missions around the globe. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kassandra Alanis)
The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Omaha (LCS 12) returns to its homeport of Naval Base San Diego, July 11, 2025. The Omaha returns to Naval Base San Diego following a 10-month rotational deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. Littoral combat ships are fast, optimally manned, mission-tailored surface combatants that operate in near-shore and open-ocean environments, winning against 21st-century coastal threats. (U.S. Navy Video by Machinist Mate 2nd Class Nathen Parsons)
SAN DIEGO – Cmdr. Kevin Smith was relieved by Cmdr. Ryan Doyle as commanding officer of the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Omaha (LCS 12) during a change of command ceremony held at Naval Base San Diego, July 29. Capt. Jose A. Roman, commodore, Littoral Combat Ship Squadron (LCSRON) One, was the presiding officer and guest speaker at the ceremony attended by dignitaries and family of the commanding officers and crew.
During Smith’s time in command of the Omaha Gold crew, he led the ship’s deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operation, which included multilateral engagements with several partner nations, ensuring maritime security and protecting a free and open Indo-Pacific.
“Kevin, you led your crew...
Cmdr. Nellie Wang was relieved by Cmdr. Catherine Reppert as commanding officer of the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8) during a change of command ceremony held aboard USS Montgomery, June 27.
SAN DIEGO – Cmdr. Brian Bungay was relieved by Cmdr. Ludwig Mann III as commanding officer of the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Kansas City (LCS 22) during a change of command ceremony held aboard USS Kansas City, June 12. Capt. Jose A. Roman, commodore, Littoral Combat Ship Squadron One, was the presiding officer and guest speaker at the ceremony.
SAN DIEGO – Cmdr. Bobby Barber was relieved by Cmdr. Courtney Towles as commanding
officer of the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Canberra (LCS 30), Gold crew, during a
change of command ceremony held aboard the USS Midway Museum, May 30. Capt. Jose A. Roman,
commodore, Littoral Combat Ship Squadron One, was the presiding officer and guest speaker at
the ceremony.
SAN DIEGO – Cmdr. Ludwig Mann III was relieved by Cmdr. John Kavanagh as commanding
officer of the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Kingsville (LCS 36) during a
change of command ceremony held aboard USS Kingsville, May. 22. Capt. Jose A. Roman,
commodore, Littoral Combat Ship Squadron One, was the presiding officer and guest speaker at
the ceremony.
