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Kearsarge Conducts Change of Command

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100303-23
Release Date: 3/3/2010 3:56:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Christopher Lange, USS Kearsarge Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) held a change of command ceremony Feb. 26 aboard the ship at Naval Station Norfolk.

Capt. Baxter A. Goodly relieved Capt. Walter L. Towns as commanding officer.

"It's a great pleasure to be here today for this ceremony in which one commanding officer will relinquish command to another," said Rear Adm. Michelle Howard, commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 2, who served as guest speaker. "Both of these captains represent the type of leaders we need in our Navy."

Towns gave credit to the crew for assisting in a successful tour.

"I would be remiss if I didn't mention who I think are the finest Sailors in the entire fleet - Kearsarge's Sailors," said Towns. "Thanks to their hard work, dedication and teamwork, they have made this the best ship in the Navy. I am incredibly proud of each and every one of them."

Towns assumed command as Kearsarge's commanding officer in August 2008, leading the ship through the highly successful Continuing Promise 2008 deployment where Kearsarge conducted joint and multilateral training with six South American and Caribbean nations.

Kearsarge also provided humanitarian aid to a hurricane-stricken Haiti, delivering more than 1,200 metric tons of relief supplies and medical assistance. Towns went on to execute Kearsarge's first Dry Docked Planned Maintenance Period, an 11-month major overhaul of the entire ship.

Capping off Towns' tour, Kearsarge was recognized with the prestigious Battenburg Cup 2008 award, given to the best ship in the Atlantic Fleet.

Towns will continue his naval service in Washington, D.C. as the amphibious warfare branch head.

Goodly, Kearsarge's previous executive officer, said the transition from executive officer to commanding officer will be a smooth process.

"I've been Kearsarge's executive officer since 2008," said Goodly. "I have a pretty good feel for the ship and her crew, and I'm excited to lead as the commanding officer."

Goodly, a Louisiana native, earned a Bachelor of Arts in history from Tulane University in 1985 and was commissioned through Aviation Officer Candidate School in February 1986.