Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center's (MARMC) floating dry-dock Dynamic (AFDL 6) welcomed her 17th commanding officer, Lt. Edward Menezes, during a change of command ceremony at Joint Expeditionary Base (JEB) Little Creek-Fort Story, May 25.

Introduced by Dynamic Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Damage Controlman Dustin Eidson, MARMC Commanding Officer Capt. Steven Stancy thanked Lt. Cmdr. D. Shawn Gibson for his hard work over the last two years as Dynamic's 16th commanding officer.

"One of the most fascinating aspects of ship repair is where the maintenance gets done," said Stancy. "Sometimes it's performed pier-side and in the water, but often times it requires bringing a ship into a dry-dock. Because of officers like Lt. Cmdr. Gibson and the crew that mans the dry-dock, Dynamic has served our Navy faithfully for the last 72 years."

Stancy had nothing but positive things to say about Gibson.

"You've been a tremendous leader throughout your naval career and especially while in command here at Dynamic," said Stancy. "You and your crew hit the deck plate running (June 17, 2014) by conducting a series of docking training exercises for you, your Sailors and Dynamic."

Within a week after completing those training exercises, Gibson had his first craft in the dock - Landing Craft Utility (LCU) 1661. Over the next six months, he had one craft in dock each month.

"Each docking was executed professionally, on time and most importantly, without incident," said Stancy. "Your team's efforts helped sustain the material condition of the connectors that transport troops and equipment from the well decks of the world's most advanced amphibious ships to the shore. Most importantly, you and your team sustained that high degree of professionalism throughout your tour."

In May 2015, Gibson's team simultaneously completed both a visit from the Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) and from the Naval Sea Systems Command dry-docking office.

"Through unequal leadership and unmatched crew dedication, both inspections were completed in one week and Dynamic was found fit for operation with no restrictions," said Stancy. "One might say that that was Dynamic's finest hour, but that was only a brief plateau because immediately following that, Dynamic returned to docking several ACU2 crafts throughout the summer and fall of 2015."

Dynamic's ballasting pumps and the salt water booster pump were replaced during Dynamic's Continuous Maintenance Availability from November 2015 through April. All testing was satisfactorily completed and Dynamic's dock was certified again in early April.

"When I asked numerous questions about Dynamic's dry-docking operations and command readiness, Lt. Cmdr. Gibson's common responses were, 'done, got it, and already taken care of,' said Stancy. "He even seemed to enjoy the questions because he knew that he had his ducks in a row and he knew his team was ready."

According to Stancy, he was always impressed with Gibson's professionalism.

"I know that you will continue to excel throughout your career," said Stancy. "Congratulations on a very successful tour. You did an absolutely amazing job on board Dynamic."

After thanking everyone in attendance for their support of the Navy and Dynamic, Stancy welcomed Menezes.

"Welcome aboard, Lt. Menezes," said Stancy. "We are glad you are here. Your background is extraordinary and I'm completely confident that the Navy selected a great officer to continue here, where Lt. Cmdr. Gibson left off."

Gibson took the stage to thank his crew, esteemed guests of the audience, his family and his friends for being in attendance.

"What Dynamic has been capable of performing over the last two years stems from one thing," said Gibson. "These Sailors come to work every day and they get it done. They do it right, they exceed the standards and they continue marching on. Dynamic crew - thank you very much."

With tasking from different commands across the base (JEB), Dynamic strives to give the Navy the support it needs to ensure the Sailors can complete their missions when out to sea, according to Gibson.

"It takes a lot of support to do this," said Gibson. "It has to start with family support. My wife, my kids, they have endured almost 29 years - thank you very much for everything you do - the guidance, the love and the talks. You've kept me honest and in-line and I love you."

Gibson and Menezes read their orders and Menezes relieved Gibson of his duty as commanding officer of Dynamic.

"I'm extremely honored and grateful that our Navy has provided me the opportunity to serve as Dynamic's commanding officer," said Menezes. "I'm humbled to lead the crew of Dynamic who I've had the privilege to serve alongside for the past two months."

Menezes suggested that he was only on stage because of everyone in the audience and that his success is a direct reflection of everyone's tireless support, mentorship, and counseling.

"Lt. Cmdr. Gibson, you and your crew's accomplishments are remarkable and well documented," said Menezes. "Thank you for your steadfast devotion to Dynamic and her Sailors. I wish you the best of luck at INSURV."

Menezes closed with a promise to his crew.

"Dynamic crew, I will constantly strive to ensure that you are trained, mentored, developed and offered the opportunity to excel both personally and professionally," said Menezes. "We will sustain mission excellence for our customers and our Navy. Remember, standards drive success."


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