Capt. Jason Rimmer relieved Capt. David K. Guluzian as commanding officer of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) during a change of command ceremony in Kearsarge’s hangar bay, Nov. 16.

Rear Adm. Jeff Hughes, Deputy Chief of Naval Personnel/Commander, Navy Personnel Command, the guest speaker at the ceremony, commended Guluzian on leading Kearsarge’s crew through disaster relief efforts in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, various fleet weeks and the arduous underways to get the ship ready for deployment.

"It wasn’t magic,” said Hughes. “It was an exceptional team that rose to the occasion and delivered results while bringing everyone home.”

Hughes presented Guluzian with the Legion of Merit medal. As Guluzian received the award, he credited Kearsarge’s crew with his success.

“Thank you to the crew of USS Kearsarge for facing adversity with such poise, grit, and determination,” said Guluzian. “It has been an honor to serve alongside you. This award is not about me, but will remind me for the rest of my days what you all accomplished as a team here.”

Guluzian will continue his career at U.S. Fleet Forces Command.

Rimmer humbly expressed his excitement for the future of Kearsarge and her crew.

“We have trained and prepared because our nation expects us to be ready and tough,” said Rimmer. “We must be loyal and diligent to that end. I am humbled to be a part of this crew and honored to take command of Kearsarge.”

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