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USS Germantown Changes Command

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080111-01
Release Date: 1/11/2008 8:15:00 AM

From USS Germantown Public Affairs

USS GERMANTOWN, At Sea (NNS) -- Cmdr. Keith Moore relieved Cmdr. Steve Vincent as commanding officer of Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) in a change of command ceremony Jan. 7.

Vincent assumed command of Germantown in August 2006. He led the ship through a major shipyard repair period and the unit level training cycle, followed by integrated training with the other ships of the Tarawa Expeditionary Strike Group. Vincent and Germantown began a regularly scheduled deployment to the 5th Fleet area of operations in December 2007.

"I am proud and humbled to have served with so many fine young Americans," said Vincent. "Whether it was providing urgent medical assistance to a mariner in distress off the coast of Southern California or conducting a landing craft air cushion emergency recovery in challenging weather conditions in the North Arabian Gulf, the Germantown's Sailors answered the call and executed the mission safely and honorably. I am proud to have had the privilege to serve as their Captain."

The Arabian Gulf is more commonly known as the Persian Gulf.

Moore brings a lot of experience as a surface warfare officer to Germantown. Prior to taking the reins as commanding officer, Moore attended the Naval War College in Newport, R.I., after serving as chief of staff Destroyer Squadron 21. He also served as executive officer of USS McClusky (FFG 41), and was enlisted as a Cryptologic Technician Technical 2nd Class prior to his commissioning.

"It is my privilege to take command of a ship with such a proud history of service to the United States," said Moore. "I look forward to the opportunity to serve the officers and crew of USS Germantown as we endeavor to continue the tradition of service that has characterized this great warship."

During the Germantown's first day conducting Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in the Persian Gulf, she rendered assistance to an Iranian fishing dhow that was in critical need of drinking water.

MSO help set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment, as well as complement the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations. These operations seek to disrupt violent extremists' use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.

For more news from USS Germantown, visit www.navy.mil/local/lsd42/.