Amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47) welcomed a new commander during a change of command ceremony held on the ship’s flight deck, Dec. 1.
Cmdr. Tate Robinson relieved Cmdr. Brian Finman as commanding officer.
“My relief, Cmdr. Tate Robinson, is a very accomplished surface warfare officer,” said Finman. “I will leave the ship feeling deeply honored to have had the opportunity to command this fantastic crew and a strong sense of confidence in Rushmore’s future. It’s a great ship with strong momentum in the right direction.”
Robinson, a Murfreesboro, Tenn. native, graduated from Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island in 1991. He attended the University of Memphis where he graduated with a mathematics degree and received his commission in May 1996. In January 2008, he was selected to attend the Army Command and General Staff College (CGSC). While assigned to CGSC, he earned a Master’s Degree in Military Arts and Science (Military History). He recently served as executive officer aboard USS Green Bay (LPD 20) from Nov. 2011 to Nov. 2012.
“Thank you, Cmdr. Finman, for your hard work in leading this crew out of the mid-life upgrade, through [Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey] INSURV, workups and finally an excellent start to this deployment,” said Robinson. “For the officers, chief petty officers, and crew of the Rushmore, I look forward to working with you as we continue to conquer all tasks and trials.”
Finman will soon report to the staff of commander, Amphibious Squadron Three, aboard the Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) flagship, amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5). He will serve as the acting deputy commodore until the end of deployment. After deployment, he will transfer to shore duty at Expeditionary Strike Group Seven in Okinawa, Japan as the operations officer.
“Since I will be reporting to staff, I will remain somewhat in proximity to my favorite ship in the Navy,” said Finman. “I look forward to our paths crossing again at some point in the future. Until then, fair winds to all of the Rushmore Sailors, families, and friends.”
Rushmore and Green Bay are a part of the Peleliu ARG, with the embarked 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and are deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, December 4, 2012