Capt. David Miller relieved retiring Capt. Shawn Johnston as Commander, Littoral Combat Ship Squadron Two (COMLCSRON TWO) during a change of command ceremony and retirement ceremony at Naval Station Mayport, Nov. 15.

Guest Speaker Captain Pete Kim, commanding officer, USS Princeton (CG 59), commended the efforts and achievements of COMLCSRON TWO under Johnston’s leadership.  Kim served as the Commissioning Executive Officer while Johnston served as the Commissioning Commanding Officer for USS Coronado (LCS 4).

Johnston has served as LCSRON TWO commodore since July 2017.  During his tenure, he oversaw the training, maintenance and manning of seven ships dedicated to providing Fleet Commanders with a fast, agile, mission-focused platform that are designed to operate effectively in the littoral environment and open-ocean.  Johnston led USS Detroit (LCS 7) on her maiden deployment, the first east coast LCS deployment in naval history. 

 “I am very proud of the teams of Surface Division Two One (SUW 21) and Littoral Ship Squadron Two,” said Johnston. “Capt. Cory Applebee, Commanding officer for SUW 21, and his team have pushed the first east coast LCS, USS Detroit (LCS-7) out on its first deployment. This is the first step to mainstream LCS on the east coast, an important chapter for the Navy as we begin to deploy to forward operation stations and in larger numbers.”

Johnston, a native of North Carolina, is retiring from the Navy after 26 years of naval service. His service at sea includes tours on USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51), USS Enterprise (CVN 65), USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), USS The Sullivans (DDG 68), chief staff officer for LCS Squadron One, commander of Littoral Combat Ship Crew 204 (The Royal Punch), and commissioning commanding officer for USS Coronado (LCS 4).

During his speech, Johnston thanked and attributed his success as commodore to his Sailors.

“The commitment of our staff, crews and ships during my tenure as commodore cannot be emphasized enough,” Johnston said.  “The LCS community is made of the most exceptional and dedicated Sailors that have made an everlasting impact in the LCS program and the U.S. Navy. Thank you all for making this job and tour a great one.”

Miller, the new Littoral Combat Ship Squadron Two commodore, had this to say about assuming command, 

"The LCS team is forward leaning, professional and motivated,” said Miller.  “The mission of our LCS team is clear, to become a lethal, forward deployed, naval force.  Our job is to man, train, and equip these extraordinary ships to operate seamlessly and decisively across all domains.  I am thrilled to embark on this extraordinary journey and be a part in continuing the LCS legacy."

LCS is a highly maneuverable, lethal and adaptable ship designed to support focused mine countermeasures, anti-submarine warfare, and surface warfare missions. LCS integrates new technology and capability to affordably support current and future mission capability from deep water to the littorals.

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