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USS Denver Holds Change of Command Ceremony

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080409-02
Release Date: 4/9/2008 9:28:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Corwin Colbert, USS Denver Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- USS Denver (LPD 9) held a change of command ceremony at Naval Base San Diego, April 4.

Capt. Dennis Mikeska relieved Capt. Joseph Clarkson during the time-honored tradition following an extensive yard-period in which the crew prepared for a hull swap with USS Juneau (LPD 10) in Sasebo, Japan.

Adm. Ted Branch, director of Information Plans and Security, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations at the Pentagon was the guest speaker.

"I am honored to speak at Denver's change of command," said Branch. "This ceremony is steeped in tradition and older than the Navy itself."

Branch complimented the crew for their successful Western Pacific and Persian Gulf deployment.

"When Denver was commissioned, Lyndon Johnson was president," said Branch. "This tells you how long this ancient mariner has been serving. The fact that this crew was able to complete a tremendously successful seven month deployment to the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean and Arabian Gulf is a testament to their professionalism and dedication."

The Arabian Gulf is a body of water more commonly known as the Persian Gulf.

He said there were many other accomplishments internally and externally connected with Denver, however there was an accomplishment that marked the Denver as "The Finest Gator in the Fleet."

"During this deployment the [Denver] rescue of a critically injured mariner from an ocean going tug in the Arabian Gulf," said Branch. "Denver's VBSS (visit, board, search and seizure) team, with medical staff embarked the tug via small boat, evaluated and provided emergency care to the mariner and then moved him to the ship. The Medical Department continued to provide stabilizing care through the night until the patient was delivered to a hospital in Bahrain. The mariner subsequently made a full recovery thanks in part to the emergency care rendered by this ship's crew."

Branch complimented Clarkson on his many accolades while in command and said the focal point of the crew's current success, sense of service and professional accomplishments was due to the commanding officer. Some of the other accomplishments mentioned was increasing the ship's material condition, maximizing overall operational effectiveness, and the coordination and embarkation of the Mine Countermeasure Squadron 15 staff to conduct vital operations as the command platform.

Following his speech, Capt. Rod Clark, commander Amphibious Squadron 7, presented Clarkson with the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct while in command of Denver.

Clarkson graduated from Georgia Tech with a Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering degree in 1981. Commissioned in October 1981 after completing Aviation Officer Candidate School, Clarkson has deployed with various sea commands to include USS Nimitz (CVN 68), USS George Washington (CVN 73), USS Saratoga (CV 60) and USS Forrestal (CV 59).

When Clarkson took the podium after receiving his award, he welcomed the guest and thanked family and friends for their support.

"Executive officer, command master chief, I couldn't have asked for a better command team," said Clarkson. "I am tempted to name every officer, chief petty officer and Sailor aboard and speak about each one of them but it would take up too much time. However, each one of you is an important member of this very successful team that we built. I am honored to have been your captain and humbled by the hard work that you displayed day in and day out whether in the 100-degree heat of the gulf or down the road in the shipyard. Your commitment to operational excellence and to each other has modeled the Navy's Core Values."

Clarkson, followed by Mikeska, read their orders prior to Mikeska formally reliving Clarkson of command.

Mikeska graduated from Rice University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Physics in 1985. He was commissioned via the Navy Reserve Officer Training Program. His previous command was USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). His previous sea commands include USS George Washington (CVN 73), USS Midway (CV 41), USS Independence (CV 62) and USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63).

Mikeska said he was pleased and fortunate to be the new commanding officer of the ship.

For more news from USS Denver, visit www.navy.mil/local/lpd9/.