Capt. J.J. Cummings took over as skipper of the San Diego-based amphibious transport dock ship USS Anchorage in a ceremony Thursday in the Gulf of Aden.
Cummings succeeded Capt. Michael McKenna, who retired after 26 years of Navy service.
The Anchorage deployed from San Diego in May as part of the USS Essex Amphibious Ready Group.
It’s new commanding officer is a former F-14 and F/A-18F pilot and flight instructor. He also spent two years as executive officer of aircraft carrier USS Nimitz.
“For the crew, it’s a complete honor and privilege to be your commanding officer,” Cummings said. “I will make the most of this opportunity and work very hard every day to make sure you are the best trained, and most professional sailors on the planet.”
The Anchorage, amphibious assault ship USS Essex, amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore — carrying members of the Camp Pendleton-based 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit — have been in the Middle East since mid-June.
Their deployment is expected to last around seven months.
— City News Service
