The time honored title of commodore was passed from one senior leader to another during a change of command ceremony for Commander, Amphibious Squadron 5 (PHIBRON 5), Dec 14.
The formal program was held in the fo’c’sle of amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), where Capt. Vic Cooper transferred the title and leadership of the storied, 60-year-old squadron, to Capt. Stephen McKone, who was promoted from deputy commander.
Cooper was awarded the Legion of Merit for his superior performance as commander, PHIBRON 5.
While the Navy no longer maintains a rank of commodore, the term still serves as a title for senior captains in command of amphibious squadrons, destroyer or cruiser squadrons, coastal warfare groups, submarine squadrons and aircraft wings. As commander, PHIBRON 5, McKone now bears that title as he leads the squadron into the future.
PHIBRON 5 is deployed as part of the three ship Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), which is comprised of Makin Island, amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego (LPD 22), amphibious landing dock ship USS Comstock (LSD 45), and embedded Marines from the 11th Maritime Expeditionary Unit (MEU), and is currently assigned to U.S. 5th Fleet/Commander, Task Force 51.
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Press release, Image: US Navy