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USS Harpers Ferry Changes Command While Underway

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100413-17
4/13/2010

By Lt. Cmdr. Denver Applehans, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet Public Affairs

USS HARPERS FERRY, At Sea (NNS) -- Dock-landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) held a change of command ceremony while underway in the Yellow Sea April 12.

Cmdr. Marvin Ed Thompson was relieved by his former executive officer, Cmdr. Antonio Hull, in a traditional ceremony witnessed by the Harpers Ferry crew.

Commander, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet, Rear Adm. Richard Landolt, currently embarked aboard Harpers Ferry to support Republic of Korea (ROK) efforts to salvage the ROKS Cheonan (PCC-772), praised Thompson and Harpers Ferry Sailors during his remarks at the ceremony.

"You and your crew have shown the remarkable flexibility and readiness that we provide as amphibious forces in the Seventh Fleet," said Landolt.

Thompson also spoke to the crew, thanking them for their work while he was commanding officer and praising them for their dedication and professional attitudes throughout his tour.

After accepting his role as commanding officer, Hull, who served as Harpers Ferry executive officer since October 2009, encouraged the crew to continue to achieve great things.

"I have been absolutely impressed by this crew since the day I checked onboard," he said. "This is a top notch crew. I am honored and humbled to take over as commanding officer of Harpers Ferry, and I look forward to leading them in achieving continued success."

Hull brings a wealth of experience to his new duties, having served as commanding officer twice before on smaller ships and on the 7th Fleet staff.

Thompson is moving on to his next assignment to serve as deputy chief of staff for Landolt at Amphibious Force 7th Fleet in Okinawa, Japan.

Harpers Ferry, USNS Salvor (T-ARS 52), USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54), Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 1 and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 5, Platoon 501 are supporting ROK Navy efforts to salvage Cheonan, which sank March 26.