New Commander aboard USS Warrior

Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship USS Warrior (MCM 10) conducted a change of command ceremony July 25.

Lt. Cmdr. Robert Biggs relieved Lt. Cmdr. Kevin McCormick as commanding officer of Warrior, which is currently forward deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.

The guest speaker for the ceremony was Rear Adm. Hugh Wetherald, Commander, Amphibious Force U.S. 7th Fleet, who spoke of the outstanding service of not only McCormick, but the Sailors who serve aboard Warrior as well.

During McCormick’s time as commanding officer he oversaw the transfer of Warrior to the 7th Fleet area of responsibility to relieve USS Guardian (MCM 5). He also oversaw the achievement of an outstanding score of 97 percent during the ships Performance and Readiness Review, and the successful completion of a Dry-Docking Ship’s Restricted Availability during which $7 million worth of repairs and improvements were made to Warriors mobility and combat systems.

Biggs, who previously served as the executive officer of Warrior, began his Navy career as an enlisted Sailor in 1990 and rose through the ranks to become the commanding officer of a ship.

He is certain that the crew of Warrior is capable to meet any challenges they may face while under his command.

Warrior provides the 7th Fleet with mine countermeasures operations including hunting, sweeping and neutralizing mines throughout the Pacific.