By Ensign Colby James
NORFOLK — The Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) held a change of command ceremony aboard the ship on May 17.
In the ceremony, Capt. Brian Hamel, a native of Kalamazoo, Michigan, relieved Capt. Stephen Froehlich, as USS Iwo Jima’s 17th Commanding Officer (CO).
“I’m excited to lead this team as we work together to get our ship ready for deployment,” said Hamel. “This crew is energized and looking forward to getting back into the fight.”
Froehlich led the crew of Iwo Jima for the past two years, overseeing a maintenance period, the ship’s transition from the General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) shipyard back to the waterfront at Naval Station Norfolk, and several certifications including medical and anti-terrorism force protection.
“I have seen the crew of Iwo Jima show unwavering perseverance to return this warship to sea,” said Froehlich. “It’s been my honor and privilege to serve with and for the Iwo Jima crew and families. I look forward to the team’s successes in the coming year.”
Froehlich’s next assignment is Navy Leadership and Ethics Center, Newport, Rhode Island. Froehlich’s previous sea-duty assignments include command of the “Warlords” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 51, and assignments to Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 43, the “Battlecats”, Austin-class landing platform dock ship USS Juneau (LPD 10), HSL-51, nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), and Carrier Strike Group Three.
Hamel’s previous sea-duty assignments include command of the Whidbey Island-class dock landing ships USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) and USS Carter Hall (LSD 50), and assignments in Amphibious Squadron Two, Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided missile frigates USS Ingraham (FFG 61) and USS Halyburton (FFG 40), and USS Portland (LSD 37). Capt. Richard Haley, a native of Millington, assumed the duties as Iwo Jima’s new executive officer. USS Iwo Jima is homeported at Naval Station Norfolk.
Amphibious assault ships, such as USS Iwo Jima, project power and maintain presence by serving as the cornerstone of the Amphibious Readiness Group and Expeditionary Strike Group. Amphibious Readiness Groups provide the Marine Corps with a means of ship-to-shore movement through landing craft, v-22 ospreys, and by helicopter.
Since USS Iwo Jima‘s commissioning date on June 30, 2001, the ship has supported major US humanitarian-assistance and combat operations.
USS Iwo Jima is named for the Battle of Iwo Jima fought in 1945, in which three divisions of U.S. Marines took control of a tiny island from more than 20,000 enemy defenders. The ship’s motto, “Among the Americans who served on Iwo Jima, uncommon valor was a common virtue,” is a quote from Fleet Adm. Chester Nimitz, who reflected on the bravery and tenacity of the Marines and Sailors who fought the Battle of Iwo Jima.
Twenty seven U.S. service members were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for heroic actions during the Battle of Iwo Jima, more than any other single operation during World War II.
