Capt. Keith G. Moore relieved Capt. Malcolm H. Potts as Commander, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 1 at a change of command ceremony aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18), Jan. 30.
During Potts’ tenure as commander, PHIBRON 1, he led the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group through numerous bilateral and multinational exercises and operations throughout the U.S. 3rd, 5th, 6th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility.
Potts then read his orders and relinquished command to Moore, who read his orders, assumed command and addressed the audience as commander, PHIBRON 1.
Moore takes command after serving as the deputy commodore of Amphibious Squadron 1. His previous assignments include command of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42), executive officer of the guided-missile frigate USS McClusky (FFG 41), and chief staff officer of Destroyer Squadron 21.
Potts’ next assignment will be at Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command in San Diego.
PHIBRON 1 is one of nine U.S. Navy amphibious squadrons and is currently responsible for the amphibious assault ships USS Boxer (LHD 4), USS Peleliu (LHA 5) and USS America (LHA 6), the amphibious transport dock ships USS New Orleans (LPD 18) and USS Sommerset (LPD 25) and the amphibious dock landing ships USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) and USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52).
Image: US Navy