USA: Amphibious Squadron 4 Changes Command

Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 4 held a change of command ceremony aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) Aug. 13.

Capt. James P. Cody relieved Capt. John B. Skillman as commander of PHIBRON 4 while the ship was underway in the Gulf of Aden.

Cody previously served as the PHIBRON 4 deputy commander.

“The three years I have been at PHIBRON 4 as the deputy and commander have allowed me to witness first hand how truly great our Sailors are in today’s Navy,” said Skillman. “I was truly fortunate to lead such a great group of men and women and I will miss seeing all of their hard work and dedication on a daily basis.”

Skillman, who took command of the squadron in May 2012, led the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) through several maintenance and training operations, as well as five months of a deployment to conduct maritime security operations in 5th and 6th Fleet Areas of Operations. While deployed, the Kearsarge ARG also participated in four multinational exercises designed to strengthen coalition partnerships and reinforce regional security and stability, including the recent Eager Lion 2013 exercise.

“Working with Capt. Skillman over the past year, through our non-standard work-up and current deployment, has been an extremely rewarding experience,” said Col. Matthew St. Clair commanding officer, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit. “He has been a tremendous mentor and the knowledge passed to me and others serving with him has been instrumental in the success enjoyed by this Navy and Marine Corps team. I wish him and his lovely wife Jacey fair winds and following seas as they sail toward their next assignment.”

Skillman will be assigned to the Pentagon and will serve as the executive assistant to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Financial Management and Comptroller).

PHIBRON 4 is deployed as part of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group, which includes the flagship Kearsarge, dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50), amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17), and the embarked Marines from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).

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Press Release, August 23, 2013; Image: Navy