Commander, Amphibious Squadron 3 assumed immediate superior in command responsibilities for Pre-Commissioning Unit John P. Murtha, April 1.

The CPR 3 staff worked with John P. Murtha and Commander, Naval Surface Pacific for several months to ensure an effective turnover. During the early stages of a PCU's lifecycle, CNSP serves as the ISIC until the duties are appropriately turned over to a subordinate command.

John P. Murtha is currently docked in Pascagoula, Mississippi, at the Huntington Ingalls Industries shipyard. John P. Murtha is scheduled to conduct Crew Certification Phase I and II in the upcoming months.

The combined certifications will confirm the ship's ability to support safe and effective operations at sea. Following her commissioning this fall, John P. Murtha expects to arrive in her new homeport of San Diego toward the end of this year.

"It is exciting to commission another amphibious ship to the U.S. Navy," said Capt. Homer R. Denius, commodore, CPR 3. "John P. Murtha is a great ship with a highly motivated crew. We look forward to working with her crew to get her certified before her move to San Diego."

As ISIC of several amphibious warships, CPR 3 oversees the tactical proficiency, administrative support and material readiness of its ships, ensuring they are combat-ready and prepared to answer the nation's call.

"I and the John P. Murtha crew are very excited to join the great team at Amphibious Squadron 3 and make San Diego our new home," said Capt. Kevin J. Parker, commanding officer, John P. Murtha. "We will bring with us the Navy's newest, most-advanced amphibious warship, and I am very proud of all the hard work the crew has accomplished to make this possible."

CPR 3 recently completed a seven-month deployment in command of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group embarked aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Essex. The Essex ARG also included the amphibious transport dock ship USS Anchorage (LPD 23) and dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47). The deployment focused on global maritime security throughout the 5th, 6th and 7th Fleet areas of operation.

For more information on Commander, Amphibious Squadron 3 visit: http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/cpr3/Pages/default.aspx

For more news from Expeditionary Strike Group 3, visit http://www.navy.mil/.