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USS Tortuga Changes Command

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080502-19
Release Date: 5/2/2008 2:39:00 PM

By Ens. Elizabeth Burnett, USS Tortuga Public Affairs

SASEBO, Japan (NNS) -- USS Tortuga (LSD 46) held a change of command ceremony in Saesbo on April 29.

Cmdr. John J. Zuhowski relieved Cmdr. Todd A. Lewis as commanding officer.

The guests, including Rear Adm. Carol M. Pottenger, commander of Amphibious Forces 7th Fleet, were greeted before the ceremony with a small reception in Tortuga's pilot house.

The ceremony began with the Japanese and American national anthems. Tortuga's color guard preformed flawlessly as the music sounded.

In Pottenger's remarks as the guest speaker she noted, "No matter how tough, how long, or how stressful command was, no commanding officer is ever fully prepared to relinquish command. There is no greater Naval responsibility than being a commanding officer of a United States Navy warship."

Lewis echoed her comments, explaining that "this job, this ship, and this crew have made my tour here the experience of a lifetime."

After promoting three Sailors to their next respective pay grade, Lewis was presented the Battle Efficiency Award on behalf of Tortuga.

Lewis gave all of the credit to those who worked for him. He addressed the chief's mess, the wardroom, the executive officer, and above all — the crew. "I am nothing without each and every one of you, and I owe the success of this tour to you all." Following Lewis' remarks, the official turnover was observed.

In Zuhowski's brief remarks, he gave another honor to Lewis. "The ship looks amazing, the crew is professional and well trained, and I couldn't be taking over a better command. You seem to have made my job very easy, Todd."

Lewis now reports to Norfolk, Va., as the operations officer on the staff of the Commander Amphibious Group 2 at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek.

Zuhowski, a 1991 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, has had various sea duty assignments prior to taking command of Tortuga, including aboard USS Austin (LPD 4), USS Belleau Wood (LHA 3), at the time home-ported in Sasebo, and USS Oak Hill (LSD 51). He served as the commanding officer of USS Shamal (PC 13) and as executive officer USS Ashland (LSD 48).

For more news from Commander, Amphibious Force, U.S. 7th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/ctf76/.