U.S. Navy’s Amphibious Squadron One (PHIBRON 1) held a change of command ceremony aboard amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) on July 7.
Capt. Keith G. Moore was relieved by Capt. Patrick V. Foege as Commander of PHIBRON 1 during the ceremony.
During Moore’s time as commander he guided the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) through a number of multinational exercises and operations including Exercise Dawn Blitz 2015 and the ARG’s current deployment to the U.S. 3rd, 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operations in support of Exercise Ssang Yong 2016, Operation Inherent Resolve, maritime security operations and theater cooperation efforts.
“I cannot imagine having a better group of warfighters to lead the Sailors and Marines of the ARG/MEU (Marine Expeditionary Unit) through that fast-paced work-up cycle and subsequent 5th and 7th Fleet deployment,” said Moore.
The ceremony’s keynote speaker, Col. Anthony M. Henderson, commanding officer of the 13th MEU, cited in a letter from Moore’s family the impact his service has had on his hometown.
“If you visit Winona (Mississippi) and run across someone who knew him, do not be surprised if they show you a picture of him in his commander’s uniform and relay to you how proud they are of the fact that someone from their little town has gone on to serve the United States in such a capacity,” said Henderson.
Moore’s next command will be at the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV), Expeditionary Warfare (N95) in Washington, D.C.
During the ceremony, Moore read his orders and transferred command to Foege, who read his orders, assumed command and addressed the audience as commander, PHIBRON 1.
Foege assumed command after serving as the deputy commodore of PHIBRON 1. His previous assignments include serving as flight deck officer and assistant air officer aboard Boxer, commanding officer of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 10 flying the H-60F/H Seahawk, air boss aboard USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) and a hull swap with USS Essex (LHD 2) in Sasebo, Japan.
PHIBRON 1 is one of nine U.S. Navy amphibious squadrons and is currently responsible for Boxer, amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18), and amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49).