• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

USS Wasp Holds Change of Command Ceremony

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS101009-03
10/9/2010

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Johnny Michael, USS Wasp Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- USS Wasp (LHD 1) held a change of command ceremony aboard the ship in Norfolk, Va. Oct. 8.

Capt. Brenda M. Holdener relieved Capt. Lowell D. Crow as commanding officer, becoming the 17th commanding officer of Wasp, and the ship's first female to assume command of the ship.

"I am honored and humbled to have the opportunity to lead the 1,100 Sailors of Wasp," said Holdener. "We have a great ship and a great crew who make it all happen."

During the ceremony, Rear Adm. Kevin Scott, commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 2, recognized the crew for their hard work.

"You are what allow the ship and the Navy to accomplish any mission," said Scott. "It is your teamwork, professionalism, and character along with your family's sacrifice that makes it an honor to serve with you."

A native of East St. Louis, Ill., Holdener graduated from Oregon State University in 1985 as a Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps student with a degree in construction engineering management. She later attended the U.S. Naval War College and received a Master of Arts degree in national security affairs and strategic studies.

In 1986 Holdener entered the Naval Aviation Program. She has since served as a pilot and department head at Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Six (HC 6), a detailer at Naval Military Personnel Command (NMPC), the navigator aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), the commanding officer of Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Two (HC 2), the navigator aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63), and a director for North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and U.S. Northern Command.

The ceremony marked the end of a successful 15-month command tour for Crow. During that time Wasp Sailors chose to stay in the Navy at a high rate, earning the ship the Atlantic Fleet Golden Anchor Award for retention excellence.

"It has been a great three-year run, and it has been a pleasure to serve with the heroes and warriors aboard Wasp," said Crow.

Crow's next assignment will be with Expeditionary Strike Group Two.