US Navy’s guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53) changed command during a pierside ceremony at Naval Base San Diego, March 3.
Capt. Timothy Kott turned over command of the Ticonderoga-class cruiser to Capt. Sean McLaren.
Under Kott’s leadership, Mobile Bay was one of the most decorated ships in the Pacific Fleet, earninging two consecutive Battle Efficiency Awards, two unit tactics awards, the CNO’s Safety Award, the Secretary of the Navy Safety Award, and two consecutive Retention Excellence Awards.
Kott’s next tour will be on the CNO Staff, Programming Division as Head of Programming Planning and Development Branch (OPNAV N801).
McLaren most recently served at the Supreme Headquarters of Allied Powers, Europe in Mons, Belgium.
Mobile Bay is currently undergoing advanced phase workups for a future deployment. Mobile Bay is assigned to the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group and Commander, Carrier Strike Group 3.
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Image: US Navy