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Carter Hall Holds Change of Command Ceremony

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080702-18
Release Date: 7/2/2008 8:55:00 PM

By Lt. j.g. John Pierczynski, USS Carter Hall Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) held a change of command ceremony aboard ship while homeported at Naval Station Norfolk June 27.

Cmdr. Jeffrey W. Sinclair relieved Cmdr. James E. McGovern as commanding officer of Carter Hall.

McGovern passed the reins to Sinclair on the ship's flight deck. McGovern will serve as the senior full-time support assignments officer in Millington, Tenn.

"Serving with you and leading you has been the highlight of my naval career," said McGovern at his last captain's call with the crew. "This ship has accomplished a lot in the last 18 months, and it is due to your hard work and dedication. I can't begin to tell you how proud I am of you all."

While in command, McGovern led Carter Hall on a seven-month deployment in support of maritime security operations. The ship played a vital role in deterring illegal smuggling and piracy off the coast of Somalia. Since returning to Norfolk in November, McGovern guided the crew through two intensive maintenance periods and a rigorous training cycle to prepare the ship for its next deployment late this summer.

Sinclair arrived to Carter Hall with vast experience and knowledge of the amphibious community. He just completed a tour at the Pentagon on the chief of naval operations' staff, where he served as an analyst for sea-basing and amphibious lift.

"I am excited to be coming to this great ship at this time," said Sinclair. "I have spent a large portion of my naval career working with and on amphibious ships, and the Carter Hall has a great reputation, not only in our community but among all the ships on the water front.

"On the coming deployment, Sailors on the Carter Hall will be doing great things. I am eager to be a part of this great ship and what she is doing in support of maritime security operations, and I am proud to be leading such an extraordinary crew."

Sinclair is a native of Mariposa, Calif. After graduating from the United States Naval Academy in May 1991, he was assigned to the guided-missile frigate USS Wadsworth (FFG 9) and served as first lieutenant, main propulsion assistant and navigator.

He returned to the academy to serve as an instructor for the department of seamanship and navigation. He also earned a master's degree in public administration from Troy State University.

For his department head tour, Sinclair served as first lieutenant on the amphibious dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) followed by a tour as operations officer (N3) on the staff of Commander, Amphibious Squadron 6.

Sinclair completed his second shore assignment as current operations officer on the staff of Commander, Amphibious Group 2, which deployed as Combined Amphibious Task Force East in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. From there, Sinclair returned to sea as the executive officer of USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) before heading to the Pentagon and then to Carter Hall.

For more news from the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group, visit www.navy.mil/local/iwoesg/.