During the Coastal Riverine Squadron Three (CRS-3) change of command ceremony, Cmdr. Randy Chestang IV relieved Cmdr. Mark Postill onboard Naval Outlying Field Imperial Beach, Feb. 2.

Chestang, a native of Bassfield, Mississippi, who previously served as the executive officer of CRS-3, expressed the honor he felt in taking command.

"I'm both excited and humbled for this opportunity," said Chestang. "It's an honor and privilege to have command of such outstanding Sailors. I look forward to the next 18 months together and the great things we will accomplish."

Postill, a Port Huron, Michigan, native will depart CRS-3 to serve as chief staff officer at Coastal Riverine Group One. He discussed the privilege it was to serve alongside the talented men and women of CRS-3.

"Leading the men and women of CRS-3 has been the highlight of my career," said Postill. "They have excelled beyond belief and tackled every challenge with superior professionalism. Know that there is no finer crew on this or any other waterfront, and it has been a privilege to serve alongside them."

Postill and Chestang both deployed with CRS-3 during the squadron's 2017 deployment in support of U.S. Southern Command, U.S. European Command, U.S. Central Command, and U.S. Pacific Command. While deployed, the 420 Sailors of CRS-3 provided force protection and security escort for over 300 U.S. vessel port visits, as well as organic security and intelligence support for U.S. Navy support ships underway in the Mediterranean Sea.

CRS-3 is one of three riverine squadrons that reports to Coastal Riverine Group One, also headquartered at Naval Outlying Field Imperial Beach. The primary mission of the Coastal Riverine Force is to conduct maritime security operations across all phases of military operations by defending high-value assets, critical maritime infrastructure, ports and harbors both inland and on coastal waterways against enemies and when commanded conduct offensive combat operations.

NECC is an enduring warfighting force providing sea-to-shore and inland operating environment capabilities across the full range of military operations, which is focused on delivering combat-effective expeditionary forces ready for worldwide operations now and into the future.

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