The USS Rushmore (LSD 47), an amphibious dock landing ship, held a Change of Command ceremony adjacent to the ship at Bainbridge Park, Oct.18.

With the traditional exchange of salutes, Cmdr. Robin N. Marling relieved Cmdr. Robert C. Tryon and assumed all duties and responsibilities as the commanding officer of Rushmore in a ceremony attended by distinguished visitors, family, and the Rushmore crew.

Tryon, a native of North Attleboro, Massachusetts, was commissioned upon his graduation from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Maritime Transportation and a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner’s License in 1999. He assumed command of Rushmore in May of 2018.

During the ceremony, Tryon credited the success of his tour to the hard work of the Rushmore Sailors.

"In my opinion, the best thing about our business is the people you serve alongside with," said Tryon. "You know there are big challenges ahead, but I will tell you it is so worth it." Tryon said he is thankful to all of Rushmore for giving him an amazing tour and for “making the hard stuff look easy.” He noted that he is going to miss the Rushmore, but that he has confidence in the capable hands Rushmore is being placed in.

Capt. Gerald R. Olin, Chief of Staff, Carrier Strike Group One, was the guest speaker at the event.

"If anyone wants to see an example of toughness, come walk the deck plates of an LSD, it’s toughness with a smile,” said Olin, "To Rob, Robin, and the crew of the USS Rushmore – you have a culture of excellence that is infectious, and your positive impact on the Navy will remain for many years to come." Olin said he remains confident in Rushmore’s crew under the leadership of Cmdr. Marling. He expressed that Rushmore was prepared to execute all missions with passion, precision, and unsurpassed professionalism.

Marling, a native of Cleveland, Ohio received her commission from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. She assumed command following her previous assignment as Executive Officer of Rushmore.

"If the opportunity presents to us to be great, and that is what our nation needs from us, we will be ready," said Marling. "You’ll be ready because you are surrounded by extraordinary people. None of you took the easy way out. All of you wanted something bigger, something better, something amazing. Together we will be that something amazing."

Rushmore was the second Navy ship to be named for the Mount Rushmore National Memorial in the Black Hills of South Dakota. The assigned mission of the dock landing ship is to transport and launch loaded amphibious craft and vehicles with their crews and embarked personnel in support of amphibious assaults and various missions.

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