Capt. Brent Canady assumes command of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) during a change of command ceremony. Essex change of command happened just prior to the kick-off for Super Bowl XLII. Essex is the lead ship of the only forward-deployed U.S. Expeditionary Strike Group and serves as the flagship for CTF 76, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force commander. Task Force 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with a detachment in Sasebo, Japan.(Navy photo by Mass Comm. Specialist 2nd Class Mark R. Alvarez) Monday, February 4, 2008
By MCC(SW/AW) Ty Swartz, USS Essex Public Affairs
USS ESSEX, At Sea -- Capt. Kerry Brent Canady relieved Capt. Brian T. Donegan today as commanding officer of the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious assault ship, USS Essex (LHD 2).
The change-of-command ceremony took place in the ship's hangar bay right before the live broadcast of the Super Bowl. It was already Monday at the ship's location.
Prior to turning over command to Canady, Donegan told the crew it was a privilege for him to have been part of the Essex winning team.
"If you have to pick a day that is significant, a day that is symbolic, I think today is the day.
Today is the day in the minds of Americans that we identify champions. I believe that you are and have proven over and over again that you are champions; you are a championship team," said Donegan.
"Throughout the area of responsibility you have earned a reputation that is significant and enduring. You've earned a reputation through your actions and have displayed the attributes of a championship team. Like true champions you set the standards while others try to meet your standards; few succeed and that's the hallmark of champions," he added. "And you've done that in every single endeavor across the spectrum. On one hand you excel and set the standard for promoting peace and strategic partnership throughout the Pacific and on the other hand you have set the standard for preparing for combat."
Donegan assumed command of Essex in August 2006. Under his leadership, the ship participated in numerous joint and multi-national amphibious exercises in the Pacific area of operations, which included the second visit to the Kingdom of Cambodia by a U.S. Navy vessel in more than 30 years.
Canady reported to Essex as executive officer in August 2006. This is his first tour as a commanding officer of a naval vessel.
"Today it is truly my honor and privilege to become the commanding officer of this great warship," Canady told the crew after assuming command.
He thanked Donegan for his leadership and guidance over the past 18 months and for providing a perfect situation for an aviator "fleeting up" to command.
A native of Shelbyville, Canady graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1984 with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Economics.
Designated as a naval aviator in April 1986, Canady's tours have included three other ships including USS Coral Sea (CV 43), USS Nashville (LPD 13), and USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), as well as serving in numerous Helicopter Anti-submarine (HS) squadrons and commanding the Dragonslayers of HS-11 from 2001 to 2002.
Canady's decorations include the Bronze Star, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, with two bronze oak leaf clusters, signifying two awards, the Air Medal, two awards, and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, seven awards.
Essex is the lead ship of the only forward-deployed U.S. Expeditionary Strike Group and serves as the flagship for Commander, Task Force 76, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force commander. Task Force 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility Okinawa, Japan, with an operating detachment in Sasebo, Japan. Essex Expeditionary Strike Group includes the transport dock ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49), and the dock landing ship USS Juneau (LPD 10), both forward-deployed to Sasebo, Japan.
Essex departed Sasebo, Japan on Jan. 24 for its spring patrol throughout the Western Pacific region.
During spring patrol Essex will participate in a series of bilateral maritime training exercises designed to build relationships and enhance operational readiness of partner Asian-Pacific nations. Essex will continue to make a positive difference in the Western Pacific through continued friendship building engagements, while remaining a vigilant force for security, stability and prosperity.
By MCC(SW/AW) Ty Swartz, USS Essex Public Affairs
USS ESSEX, At Sea -- Capt. Kerry Brent Canady relieved Capt. Brian T. Donegan today as commanding officer of the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious assault ship, USS Essex (LHD 2).
The change-of-command ceremony took place in the ship's hangar bay right before the live broadcast of the Super Bowl. It was already Monday at the ship's location.
Prior to turning over command to Canady, Donegan told the crew it was a privilege for him to have been part of the Essex winning team.
"If you have to pick a day that is significant, a day that is symbolic, I think today is the day.
Today is the day in the minds of Americans that we identify champions. I believe that you are and have proven over and over again that you are champions; you are a championship team," said Donegan.
"Throughout the area of responsibility you have earned a reputation that is significant and enduring. You've earned a reputation through your actions and have displayed the attributes of a championship team. Like true champions you set the standards while others try to meet your standards; few succeed and that's the hallmark of champions," he added. "And you've done that in every single endeavor across the spectrum. On one hand you excel and set the standard for promoting peace and strategic partnership throughout the Pacific and on the other hand you have set the standard for preparing for combat."
Donegan assumed command of Essex in August 2006. Under his leadership, the ship participated in numerous joint and multi-national amphibious exercises in the Pacific area of operations, which included the second visit to the Kingdom of Cambodia by a U.S. Navy vessel in more than 30 years.
Canady reported to Essex as executive officer in August 2006. This is his first tour as a commanding officer of a naval vessel.
"Today it is truly my honor and privilege to become the commanding officer of this great warship," Canady told the crew after assuming command.
He thanked Donegan for his leadership and guidance over the past 18 months and for providing a perfect situation for an aviator "fleeting up" to command.
A native of Shelbyville, Canady graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1984 with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Economics.
Designated as a naval aviator in April 1986, Canady's tours have included three other ships including USS Coral Sea (CV 43), USS Nashville (LPD 13), and USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), as well as serving in numerous Helicopter Anti-submarine (HS) squadrons and commanding the Dragonslayers of HS-11 from 2001 to 2002.
Canady's decorations include the Bronze Star, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, with two bronze oak leaf clusters, signifying two awards, the Air Medal, two awards, and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, seven awards.
Essex is the lead ship of the only forward-deployed U.S. Expeditionary Strike Group and serves as the flagship for Commander, Task Force 76, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force commander. Task Force 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility Okinawa, Japan, with an operating detachment in Sasebo, Japan. Essex Expeditionary Strike Group includes the transport dock ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49), and the dock landing ship USS Juneau (LPD 10), both forward-deployed to Sasebo, Japan.
Essex departed Sasebo, Japan on Jan. 24 for its spring patrol throughout the Western Pacific region.
During spring patrol Essex will participate in a series of bilateral maritime training exercises designed to build relationships and enhance operational readiness of partner Asian-Pacific nations. Essex will continue to make a positive difference in the Western Pacific through continued friendship building engagements, while remaining a vigilant force for security, stability and prosperity.
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