U.S. Navy’s Amphibious Squadron 11 held a change of command aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) in Sasebo, Japan, on January 9.
During the ceremony, Capt. George Doyon relieved Capt. Ed Thompson as Commander, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 11.
The ceremony’s guest speaker, Rear Adm. Marc Dalton, commander, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet, applauded Thompson for his exemplary service and leadership during his official remarks.
“Amphibious Squadron 11 operates in one of the most dynamic theaters in the world,” said Rear Adm. Marc Dalto n, commander, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet. “Your tour as commodore has reflected that. You deserve a great deal of credit for instilling a culture of readiness and an expectation for sound execution at all times.”
During Thompson’s tenure as commodore of the Navy’s only forward-deployed amphibious squadron, he led the Bonhomme Richard amphibious ready group (ARG) and embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) through bilateral exercises and humanitarian assistance operations. He oversaw relief efforts to Saipan after Super Typhoon Soudelor, as well as played a critical role in supporting a Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF)-led operation in Kumamoto, Japan, after a devastating earthquake.
Per naval tradition, Thompson read his orders and relinquished command to Doyon, who read his orders and assumed command of PHIBRON 11.
Doyon took command after serving as the deputy commodore of PHIBRON 11. His previous assignments include command of amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50), executive officer of USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44), and the chief of naval operations staff as executive assistant to the director for expeditionary warfare.
Thompson’s next assignment will be with Amphibious Force 7th Fleet as deputy commander in Sasebo, Japan.
PHIBRON 11 is one of nine U.S. Navy amphibious squadrons and is currently responsible for amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), amphibious transport dock USS Green Bay (LPD 20), and USS Germantown (LSD 42) and USS Ashland (LSD 48).