Capt. Neil Koprowski relieved Capt. Jason Rimmer as the 19th commanding officer of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) during a change of command ceremony in the ship’s hangar bay, Jan. 30.

Rear Adm. Jeff Hughes, Deputy Chief of Naval Personnel/Commander, Navy Personnel Command, served as the guest speaker at the ceremony. Hughes commended Rimmer during his speech for his time as the ship’s executive officer when he oversaw the Kearsarge crew during critical humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Hughes also noted when Rimmer was the ship’s second in command, he oversaw multiple fleet weeks, and pre-deployment certifications. Hughes then went on to praise Rimmer for his leadership as the commanding officer during a seven-month combat deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operation where Kearsarge deployed as the flagship of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and served as the only aircraft carrier in the U.S. Central Command theater for several months.

Hughes knows Rimmer firsthand from the time they spent together when Hughes was Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 2. As ESG2, Hughes embarked aboard Kearsarge for 68 days when Rimmer was the ship’s executive officer and was performing HADR in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. As a result of this time served, Hughes formed a bond with the leadership and crew of the Kearsarge, which is the reason Hughes was invited to serve as the guest speaker for a second Kearsarge change of command ceremony. Hughes’ expectations for the incoming commanding officer of Kearsarge are high, but he knows Koprowski is ready.

"The significance of this change of command ceremony is to demonstrate to our Navy and Marine Corps teammates, the public, and to this crew, the continuity of leadership and responsibility as this command passes from Capt. Jason Rimmer to Capt. Neil Koprowski—two of the finest Navy officers with whom I have ever served,” said Hughes who also served with Koprowski at the Pentagon and at sea.  

After his remarks, Hughes presented Rimmer with the Legion of Merit medal for the successful completion of his tour aboard Kearsarge, where he fairly and consistently motivated and led thousands of Sailors and Marines on a large deck amphibious assault ship. Rimmer humbly received the award and thanked the crew for their support over the years and gave them credit for all of the command’s successes.

“Patriots, a captain’s success depends on the crew,” said Rimmer. “I am proud of all of you because I know there is no finer ship in the Navy.”

Rimmer will report as the Commodore, of Amphibious Squadron 8.

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

“Thank you Rear Adm. Hughes for being here today and the Kearsarge team for putting together such an awesome ceremony,” said Koprowski. “The patriots on Kearsarge are amazing. We are proud, trustworthy, and bold and I am proud to be your commanding officer.”

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