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By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Johnie Hickmon
BRISBANE, Australia - Cmdr. Carol McKenzie relieved Cmdr. A. D. Hull as commanding officer during a change of command on board the forward-deployed dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) while the ship is in Brisbane, Australia during a port visit Aug. 5.
McKenzie will be a familiar face to the crew of Germantown, as she served as the ship’s executive officer prior to assuming the role of commanding officer.
Commander, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet Rear Adm. J. Scott Jones opened the ceremony by commending Hull and his crew of the wonderful job they have done during his time as commanding officer, in particular, during real world events such as Operation Tomodachi and recovery operations of the sunken Republic of Korea ship, the Cheonen.
“You and your crew met every challenge and did so with excellence,” he said. “I congratulate you on a job well done during your tour as commanding officer and two years with this great crew.”
Speaking of the incoming commanding officer, Jones said he felt she was more than capable of helping to lead the crew of Germantown to continued success.
“Cmdr. McKenzie is no stranger to the region, Germantown, or the crew,” he said. “I see great things ahead for her with this crew she has come to know. I expect nothing less than greatness from all of you, and knowing that, you can achieve it.”
Hull, a native of Savannah, Ga next took the stage as he spoke highly of the crew and the challenges they’ve all faced to accomplish the mission.
“The journey was a challenge, but this crew has performed admirably,” he said. “It’s been an enjoyable time. This crew is absolutely amazing. When they get the call, no matter what time, we made it happen. Everybody did a lot of work to get the job done, but that’s what we do. I thank you for your support of the mission. I love you guys. I’ll miss you and keep chargin’.”
Addressing McKenzie, Hull said, “Your dedication to the crew is undaunting. I thank you for your support and wish you nothing but success.
McKenzie then took the stage to and praised Hull for his commitment to the Navy and his crew.
“I’d like to thank Cmdr. Hull for his staunch service, professionalism and many accomplishments,” she said. “Your dedication, vision and skill leading this crew is in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy.”
McKenzie said she was ready to lead Germantown on the continued path of success set by her predecessor.
“I look forward to building upon the standards you have set and ensuring Germantown crew continues the legacy,” she said,
Hull heads to Washington, D.C. where he will report to the Staff of the Chief of Naval Personnel.
Germantown is in Brisbane after completing Talisman Sabre 2011, a bilateral command post and field training exercise designed to maintain a high level of interoperability between U.S. and Australian forces. The ship departed Sasebo, Japan on June 24.
Commander, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet Rear Adm. J. Scott Jones opened the ceremony by commending Hull and his crew of the wonderful job they have done during his time as commanding officer, in particular, during real world events such as Operation Tomodachi and recovery operations of the sunken Republic of Korea ship, the Cheonen.
“You and your crew met every challenge and did so with excellence,” he said. “I congratulate you on a job well done during your tour as commanding officer and two years with this great crew.”
Speaking of the incoming commanding officer, Jones said he felt she was more than capable of helping to lead the crew of Germantown to continued success.
“Cmdr. McKenzie is no stranger to the region, Germantown, or the crew,” he said. “I see great things ahead for her with this crew she has come to know. I expect nothing less than greatness from all of you, and knowing that, you can achieve it.”
Hull, a native of Savannah, Ga next took the stage as he spoke highly of the crew and the challenges they’ve all faced to accomplish the mission.
“The journey was a challenge, but this crew has performed admirably,” he said. “It’s been an enjoyable time. This crew is absolutely amazing. When they get the call, no matter what time, we made it happen. Everybody did a lot of work to get the job done, but that’s what we do. I thank you for your support of the mission. I love you guys. I’ll miss you and keep chargin’.”
Addressing McKenzie, Hull said, “Your dedication to the crew is undaunting. I thank you for your support and wish you nothing but success.
McKenzie then took the stage to and praised Hull for his commitment to the Navy and his crew.
“I’d like to thank Cmdr. Hull for his staunch service, professionalism and many accomplishments,” she said. “Your dedication, vision and skill leading this crew is in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy.”
McKenzie said she was ready to lead Germantown on the continued path of success set by her predecessor.
“I look forward to building upon the standards you have set and ensuring Germantown crew continues the legacy,” she said,
Hull heads to Washington, D.C. where he will report to the Staff of the Chief of Naval Personnel.
Germantown is in Brisbane after completing Talisman Sabre 2011, a bilateral command post and field training exercise designed to maintain a high level of interoperability between U.S. and Australian forces. The ship departed Sasebo, Japan on June 24.