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Command of Juneau Changes Hands

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070821-30
Release Date: 8/21/2007 4:46:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jamie Hawkins, American Forces Network Det. Sasebo

SASEBO, Japan (NNS) -- Capt. Kent Whalen relieved Capt. John Alexander as commanding officer of the amphibious transport dock ship USS Juneau (LPD 10) in a change of command ceremony held on its flight deck Aug. 10.

"This is a special day, but it’s a sad one as well," said Rear Adm. Carol M. Pottenger, Commander, Amphibious Force, 7th Fleet/Expeditionary Strike Group 7. "The time honored tradition of the change of command has one officer prepared and eager to take on the responsibility of the captain of the ship, the other officer extremely reluctant to let go of command. I can say with confidence he is also reluctant to leave behind so many friends and family in the Sasebo community."

Pottenger was the keynote speaker during the ceremony, and spoke of Alexander’s performance as captain of Juneau.

"The Secretary of the Navy and the Chief of Naval Operations have often referred to command at sea as a sacred trust given only to specially selected officers," said Pottenger. "In his 15 months in command, Alexander has far surpassed the expectations expected of our commanders. I am very proud to be here to recognize his accomplishments."

Pottenger went on to tell of successful operations conducted by Juneau under Alexander’s command.

"Under Alexander's leadership, Juneau has surpassed 200 days at sea while underway," said Pottenger. "Juneau has excelled in several major combined amphibious exercises and served as the control ship for several Royal Australian Navy ships while under his command."

Alexander then addressed the crew of Juneau. He said he was proud to have served with them, and was eternally grateful for their hard work and dedication during his time in command.

"Commanding Juneau has clearly been a defining moment in my life," said Alexander. "The experiences I have shared with the crew at sea are irreplaceable. Together we have raced to avoid typhoons in the South China Sea, each one of the crew has bled to make her better, and we have braved the bitter cold all together as one team with one goal to complete the mission."

The ceremony continued with the reading of orders where Whalen officially became the commanding officer of Juneau.

"I can think of no better man to follow than Capt. John Alexander," said Whalen. "I look forward to getting this warship back out to sea and carrying our Marine brothers into battle. Juneau remains ready to answer all bells and sail into harm's way to take the fight to the enemy.”