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New Bonhomme Richard ARG Commander Assumes Duty

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS091230-02
Release Date: 12/30/2009 3:12:00 PM

From Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group Public Affairs

USS BONHOMME RICHARD, At Sea (NNS) -- Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 7 conducted a change of command during a ceremony aboard USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) Dec. 28.

Capt. Timothy Wilson relieved Capt. Rodney Clark as commander PHIBRON 7.

The ceremony coincidentally marked the 800th day of Clark's PHIBRON tour since assuming command October 2007. He explained the significance of the milestone during farewell remarks to Sailors and Marines attending from the squadron and the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).

"Today is the 800th day of my command tour. Days represent a lot because we serve by the day. We get up in the morning, and we do the best we can to serve our country," said Clark. "I can't help but to be humbled, because I know it's the hard work of a very dedicated staff."

Under Clark's leadership, the Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) participated in humanitarian projects with the MEU during Marine Exercise 2009, sending Sailors and Marines ashore in Indonesia and Timor-Leste to provide medical and dental care to more than 2,000 patients in cooperation with local healthcare officials.

In addition, members of the ARG/MEU team volunteered in more than a dozen community service projects during four port visits throughout the region. Projects ranged from cleaning kennels at an animal shelter in Guam, repairing playground structures in Phuket, Thailand, and interacting with children at orphanages in Dili, Timor-Leste. Clark is next scheduled to assume command of Training Support Center San Diego.

The Bonhomme Richard ARG consists of three ships and more than 2,300 personnel which are currently on a scheduled deployment to the western Pacific Ocean and Middle East region.

"I want to thank Commodore Clark," said Wilson. "He set us up for much of the success we are enjoying right now. His principled leadership, his insistence on doing things the right way, and his selfless attitude benefited the entire ARG/MEU team."

Wilson has served as the squadron's deputy commander since October 2008. The ARG consists of amphibious assault ship Bonhomme Richard, amphibious transport dock USS Cleveland (LPD 7), and amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47).

In addition to its ships, the ARG includes the command element, PHIBRON 7; Tactical Air Control Squadron 12, Det. 1; Helicopter Sea Combat 23, Det. 3; Assault Craft Unit 1, Det. B; Assault Craft Unit 5, Det. F; Beachmaster Unit 1, Det. B; and Fleet Surgical Team 9.

For more Bonhomme Richard ARG releases, visit www.cpr7.navy.mil.
For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/cusnc/.