Capt. David K. Guluzian relieved Capt. Lawrence G. Getz as commanding officer of the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) during a change of command ceremony in the hangar bay, June 9.

United States Secretary of Homeland Security John F. Kelly, the guest speaker at the ceremony, commended Getz on leading Kearsarge's crew with a few short stories and kind words.

"Since the beginning of his command of Kearsarge, Capt. Getz has taken care of his people," Kelly said. "In turn, his people have taken care of our country. They live up to the ship's motto and reputation: Proud. Trustworthy. Bold."

Rear Adm. Roy I. Kitchener, Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group Two, presented Getz with the Legion of Merit. As Getz received the award, he credited Kearsarge's crew with his success.

"You [the crew] have endeavored to make the Kearsarge better by caring," said Getz, "By handing it to the next guy better than you got it and doing the right thing because it is the right thing to do."

Getz will continue his career at Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic in Norfolk, Va.

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

"It has been a true honor to serve side by side with you over the past 19 months," Guluzian said. "I couldn't be more humbled to stand with you as we continue our training for the ship's next deployment."


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