U.S. 7th Fleet held a change of command ceremony Sept. 7, 2015 at 5 p.m. at the Fleet Activities Yokosuka Fleet Theater.
Vice Adm. Joseph P. Aucoin assumed command of the world’s largest forward-deployed naval force from Vice Adm. Robert L. Thomas.
Aucoin, a graduate of North Carolina State University, became the 50th commander of 7th Fleet, following a tour as deputy chief of naval operations for warfare systems.
Thomas has been relieved of his duties as 7th Fleet commander for his new assignment as director of Navy staff for the chief of naval operations.
The U.S. 7th Fleet conducts forward-deployed naval operations in support of U.S. national interests in the Indo-Asia-Pacific area of operations. As the U.S. Navy’s largest numbered fleet, 7th Fleet interacts with 35 other maritime nations to build maritime partnerships that foster maritime security, promote stability and prevent conflict.
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Image: US Navy