U.S. Navy’s second Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship, USS Germantown, held a change of command ceremony in Sasebo, Japan on May 10.
Commander Severn Stevens relieved Commander Gary Harrington as commanding officer of the ship.
Harrington, who assumed command of Germantown on October 27, 2014, led the crew through a number of critical warfare area certifications and inspections while also earning several unit awards.
Under Harrington’s leadership, Germantown earned the Battle Effectiveness “E” with all five command excellence awards.
Germantown was also awarded the SECNAV Energy Conservation award, Unit Tactics award, Intelligence Excellence award, VADM Bulkeley Afloat Safety Culture award, CNO Safety award, Pacific Fleet Health and Wellness Unit “Green H” award, Navy Surgeon General’s Health Promotion and Wellness “Blue H” award, CNO Safety Award, and the Retention Excellence “Golden Anchor” award during Harrington’s tenure.
Germantown is forward-deployed to Amphibious Squadron 11 and is currently undergoing a Continuous Maintenance Availability in Sasebo, Japan while also preparing for her Mid Cycle Inspection in June.