Capt. Brent C. Gaut relieved Capt. Edgardo A. Moreno as commanding officer of amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17), during a change of command ceremony at BAE Systems in Norfolk, June 27.

Guest speaker Rear Adm. Brad Skillman, commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 2, spoke about the culture of the command saying, "Never Retreat, Never Surrender is more than just a motto for this warship and her crew, she has shown it time after time. San Antonio is just a hull. It's the crew that lives up to the motto. It's the crew that makes this ship what she is."

Capt. Moreno served as the commanding officer of LPD 17 for 18 months. His next assignment will be to Naval Aviation Schools Command in Pensacola, Florida.

"One thing i am certain of is that my crew of phenomenal Sailors will continue their brilliant performance under my dear friend, Capt. Brent Gaut", said Capt. Moreno. "They will do it safely and professionally. They will prioritize war fighting and people in order to best achieve our mission and accomplish goals while focusing on readiness and leadership on all levels."

Capt. Gaut became the 11th commanding officer in the ship's history. Prior to assuming command of LPD 17, Gaut served as the executive officer on board USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78).

"This is a warship, and she is our warship. We are United States Navy Sailors and we will prepare in everything we do to take her to sea, and into harm's way if our nation calls for it," said Capt. Gaut. "We will be ready."

San Antonio is currently docked at BAE Systems conducting a scheduled maintenance availability period. San Antonio is the first ship named for the city in Texas, and the first amphibious transport dock ship in the San Antonio-class.

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