Anchorage Holds First Change of Command...

by USS Anchorage on Friday, April 19, 2013 at 11:50am

130418-N-JU810-160 SAN DIEGO, Calif. (April 18, 2013) Cmdr. Joel Stewart salutes Capt. Donald R. Cuddington, Commander, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 5, as he assumes command of amphibious transport dock Anchorage (LPD 23) relieving Capt. Brian J. Quin in a ceremony held in the ship's well deck. Quin served as Anchorage's first commanding officer, while Stewart has the distinction of being the ship's first crew member. Anchorage will be commissioned in her namesake city of Anchorage, Alaska May 4. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Aramis X. Ramirez/RELEASED) MC1(SW) Aramis X. Ramirez


From USS Anchorage (LPD 23) Public Affairs


SAN DIEGO, Calif. – The future USS Anchorage (LPD 23) held its first change of command ceremony in the well deck of the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock April 18.

Cmdr.Joel Stewart relieved Capt. Brian Quin, who served as Anchorage’s first commanding officer overseeing the ship’s construction and delivery to the U.S.Navy. Stewart served as the command’s executive officer and has the distinction of being Anchorage’s first crew member.

The change in leadership was accelerated one month earlier than originally planned and ahead of the ship’s commissioning ceremony May 4 amid health concerns for Quin.

“As the commanding officer, the safety of the crew has and always will be the number one priority for all ship operations,” he explained. “But there are people looking out for me as well, and I took to heart their counsel. I trust in the opinion of dedicated medical professionals who advised I address my health concerns immediately. I strove to set the conditions for success and I am sure Cmdr. Stewart will execute with precision and style.”

Quin assumed command of the crew in May 2011 and assumed command of Anchorage upon delivery Sept. 17, 2012. He managed Anchorage’s final pre-commissioning construction as well as training for new crewmembers as they reported to the ship.

“Anchorage’s crew has impressed me beyond any measurable means,” said Quin. “The drive,dedication, attention to detail and, above all else, professionalism, of my shipmates will lead this ship to the fleet with a myriad of achievements that sets a high bar. As I have repeatedly told them in every captain’s call, I can only thank them for the privilege of being their captain.”

Stewart,a native of Great Falls, Mont., will command Anchorage through the final construction phases to include Final Contract Trials in July, and post-commissioning availability later in the year. Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Forbus will become Anchorage’s new executive officer.

“It’s been a great experience working and training under Capt. Quin, he is an incredible mentor,” said Stewart, who noted that Anchorage will be his first at-sea command in which he is the commanding officer. “I’m always impressed in seeing what this crew is capable of and their hard work will make taking on this new challenge a bit easier. For that, and to Captain Quin, I am grateful for this opportunity.”

Anchorage is the seventh San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock. She was built at the Huntington Ingalls Industries Shipbuilding site in Avondale,La. The ship will be commissioned in May in her namesake city of Anchorage,Alaska and is the second ship to be named for the city.


For questions about the change of command, please contact Commander, Naval Surface Forces Pacific Public Affairs:

Lt. Richard Chernitzer, richard.chernitzer@navy.mil; or,
Douglas Sayers, douglas.sayers@navy.mil