241230-N-SW005-1323 SASEBO, Japan (Dec. 30, 2024) Capt. Kevin T. Dean, incoming commanding officer of the forward-deployed USS New Orleans (LPD 18), speaks during a change of command ceremony in the ship’s well deck, Dec. 30. USS New Orleans (LPD 18), is a San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility, as part of the America Amphibious Ready Group. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sade’ Anita Wallace)
