NORFOLK, Va. — Capt. Richard Haley relieved Capt. Brian Hamel as USS Iwo Jima’s (LHD 7) 18th commanding officer during a ceremony, June 13th held at Naval Station Norfolk.
Hamel led the LHD 7 crew for the past two years, overseeing a maintenance period and rigorous workup cycle and leading the transition from maintenance to certifications and integration with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit in preparation for deployment.
“What I’ve seen this ship go through has been nothing short of miraculous, yet on paper we simply did our job,” said Hamel. “I’m leaving at a rough time for a commander, having been in the thick of it with everyone since our first underway. I am so proud of this team what we’ve accomplished. When I first took command, I asked for respect, perseverance, and team work, you guys brought it. Man, is this crew tough, cold executioners, getting business done day in and day out.”…