USS Fitzgerald changes command

Commander Robert Shu relieved Commander Christopher England as the commanding officer of the U.S. Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) during a change of command ceremony at Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY), December 15.

England was Fitzgerald’s commanding officer of since 2012 and will serve his next tour at the Pentagon in Washington D.C.

Fitzgerald’s change of command comes at the end of her 2015 patrol. During the course of about six months, Fitzgerald participated in exercise Multi-Sail 2015, which included the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).

Apart from conducting patrols, the ship also took part in an anti-submarine warfare exercise with the Republic of Korea Navy near Busan, South Korea, which included a port visit to Busan where the crew participated in a number of community relations events.

New USS Fitzgerald Commander, Robert Shu said: “Fitzgerald, we’ve been through a lot the last 18 months and I can’t wait to see what the next 18 months bring. I know that whatever challenges arise, you’ll handle it in the same professional and steadfast manner which I’ve grown accustomed to seeing you execute and am honored to serve with you all.”

Shu reported as the executive officer of Fitzgerald in May 2014.

Fitzgerald is one of eight destroyers assigned to Destroyer Squadron 15 which are forward-deployed to Yokosuka, Japan.

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