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CTG 515.1 Changes Command

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080122-07
Release Date: 1/22/2008 3:13:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Adam Vernon, U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- Commander Task Group (CTG) 515.1 bid farewell to its commanding officer during a change of command ceremony Jan. 20 on board USNS Stockham (T-AK 3017) inport Puerto Princesa, Republic of the Philippines.

Capt. William Sheehan was relieved by Capt. Brad Smith as commodore of CTG 515.1.

CTG 515.1 is the operational component of Joint Task Force 515. Their mission is to support and assist the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) fight the global war on terrorism in the Republic of the Philippines.

In cooperation with the government of the Republic of the Philippines, the U.S. military provides training, advice, security assistance, and shares information with the AFP. Sheehan said his team has been tremendous during his tenure as commodore.

"I send my deep appreciation and gratitude for the tremendous work they have accomplished," said Sheehan. "Every mission, every requirement has been executed with unrivaled success and professionalism. From high quality shore operations to maintaining the highest level of operational readiness, your leadership and integrity have raised the bar."

One of the major accomplishments of Sheehan was leading the U.S. humanitarian assistance effort in the Solomon Islands following a devastating earthquake early in 2007.

Sheehan also said that the value of the positive presence his staff has shown ashore representing the United States can not be overstated.

"Overall, the relationship is one of mutual support and respect. Together, our forces effectively execute the [global] war on terrorism effort for Operation Enduring Freedom –Philippines," said Sheehan.

CTG 515.1 is making a major impact in the global war on terrorism. But according to Sheehan, CTG 515.1's mission is done behind the scenes without a lot of fanfare.

Vice Adm. Doug Crowder said the CTG 515.1 team is making a remarkable difference in assisting the Armed Forces of the Philippines in their counterterrorism operations.

"The CTG 515.1 team has done a phenomenal job in the Republic of the Philippines as well as their engagement activities with a number of navies in Southeast Asia," said Crowder, who is also the JTF 515 commander. "Actions taken by [Sheehan] and his staff have proven to me that we are strongly engaged in winning the war on terrorism and I have no doubt that as he departs, the staff of CTG 515.1 will continue to perform their crucial mission flawlessly."

"Operationally, CTG 515.1 will continue to support Joint Special Operations Task Force – Philippines and the AFP in a variety of different capacities," Sheehan said. He added that subject matter expert exchanges are planned in the near future with the AFP to further their capabilities in fighting the [global] war on terror[ism], along with many other training opportunities to follow.

"There will be more engagement with our coalition partners in Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia as we work collectively on global maritime partnership. In the meantime, we remain flexible to meet the needs and requirements to further stability in the region," added Sheehan.

Sheehan will report as commodore of Maritime Prepositioning Squadron 1 later this year. His replacement, Smith, arrived at CTG 515.1 from the Asia-Pacific Center where he served as Academic Chief of Staff for the College of Security Studies.

For more news from Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/c7f/.