Change of Command Ceremony for USS Wasp

The crew of amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) held a change of command ceremony in Norfolk, July 18.

Capt. Brian Teets relieved Capt. Gary Boardman as the commanding officer of Wasp in a time honored ceremony held in the hangar bay.

 “I would like to thank the crew for their outstanding hard work and dedication throughout my time as commanding officer of Wasp,” said Boardman. “We had a very demanding schedule over the past couple of years, but I was continually impressed by the teamwork and ‘can-do’ attitude displayed by all. This crew has made some real impacts to our nation’s defense and should be very proud of their selfless service.”

Under Boardman’s command, Wasp earned the Battle “E” after participating in exercises and events during 2012 which include: Bold Alligator 2012, Fleet Ex 2012, Defense Support of Civil Authorities after Hurricane Sandy, and Fleet Weeks in New Orleans, Port Everglades, Fla., New York, and Boston. During Boardman’s time aboard Wasp, the ship conducted the first at sea launch and recovery of the highly anticipated F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF).

Boardman will next serve as the chief of staff for Expeditionary Strike Group 2 in Virginia Beach, Va.

Under Teets’ command, Wasp will continue to operate as the test platform for JSF.

 “I am extremely honored and humbled to serve as the next commanding officer of this great warship. I would like to thank the officers and crew of Wasp for their continued hard work and commitment,” said Teets. “Because of this outstanding crew, I am confident Wasp’s legacy of excellence will continue as we return her to the combat deployment rotation.”

Teets, a native of Urbana, Ohio, received his commission March 1990 through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Ohio State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Production and Operations Management. His previous assignments include Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 44, HSL-4, HSL-37, and USS Enterprise (CVN 65). Teets reported to Wasp in December 2011 as the executive officer.

Wasp is scheduled to begin a maintenance period while in dry dock this fall after completing an underway for JSF testing.

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Press Release, July 24, 2013