Photo By Chief Petty Officer Eric Chan | 160318-N-KK081-312 SAN DIEGO (MARCH 18, 2016) – Cmdr. Casey Plew speaks to the...... read more read more
SAN DIEGO – Beachmaster Unit (BMU) 1 held a change of command ceremony at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, March 18.
Cmdr. Jessica O’Brien, previously the executive officer for BMU 1, relieved Cmdr. Casey Plew as the commanding officer. O’Brien is the first woman to serve as the commanding officer of BMU 1.
O’Brien graduated from the United States Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in Oceanography. She earned a Master of Science degree in Military Studies from the U.S. Marine Corps Command and Staff College.
O’Brien explained some of her goals for BMU 1.
“I’m going to continue making things great here,” said O’Brien. “I want everyone to be excited, as I am, about what we do.”
During O’Brien’s speech she thanked her supporters in her career and sent a message to her Sailors.
“Your teamwork, your dedication and your professionalism is truly remarkable,” said O’Brien. “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to lead you as our command embarks on another chapter in our very proud history. I look forward to sharing our continued success.”
The change of command featured the formal reading of orders of Plew’s future station at Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion and Repair Command working specifically with the Zumwalt-class guided missile destroyers combat system and O’Brien’s new assignment as the commanding officer of BMU 1.
“It’s a day to feel good about being a Beachmaster,” said the guest speaker Capt. Kevin P. Flannagan, commander of Naval Beach Group (NBG) 1. “It’s a day to feel good about the accomplishments that you all made under Commander Plew’s leadership.”
Under Plew’s leadership, BMU 1 maintained four beach party teams, which were fully mission capable in 176 amphibious landing operations, 12 deployments in support of Enduring Freedom, Pacific Partnership and Rim of the Pacific.
After receiving the Meritorious Service Medal from Flannagan, Plew took the time to address the command for a final time, credited the command for his accomplishments, and thanked the leadership of other commands in NBG 1.
“It’s a dirty job. It takes a lot of hard work to do properly and every single one of you executes,” said Plew. “I’d like to personally thank you. Thank you very much.”
At the end of the ceremony, Plew shook the hand of every one of his Sailors in formation to show his gratitude.
The “Any Beach, Any Time ” command specializes in the control of landing crafts, lighterage and other amphibious vehicles from the surf to the beach. BMU 1 has several detachments deployed in support of Navy operations around the fleet.
| Date Taken: | 03.30.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 03.31.2016 16:48 |
| Story ID: | 194034 |
| Location: | CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 801 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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