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Bataan Holds Change of Command

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Jacques Renard | 190228-N-XT183-0022.JPG ATLANTIC OCEAN (Feb. 28, 2019) Captain Brad Busch gives his...... read more read more

ATLANTIC OCEAN

02.28.2019

Courtesy Story

USS Bataan (LHD 5)

The multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) held a change-of-command ceremony in the ship’s hangar bay February 28.

Captain Gregory Leland relieved Captain Bradley Busch as the commanding officer.

Under his command, Busch executed an effective year-long CNO planned maintenance availability preparing the ship to be fully mission capable.

During his farewell speech, Busch talked of the hard work and dedication every Sailor has in keeping Bataan successful.

“Your hard work and dedication each and every day is what pulled Bataan out of the shipyard, said Busch. “ It’s making her successful in a condensed training phase and you will make her amazingly successful on deployment.

Bataan welcomes a familiar face as Busch handed over command to his executive officer, Captain Gregory Leland.

Leland’s tour aboard the ship began August 2017 as part of the Navy's Executive Officer to Commanding Officer Fleet-Up program. Leland, a native of Marlborough, Mass., became Bataan's 16th commanding officer since the ship’s commissioning on Sept. 20, 1997. He received his commission through Officer Candidate School and designated as a naval aviator.

Once Captains Busch and Leland read their orders and Leland relieved Busch of command, he took the stage to address the crew.

There’s a strong legacy of commitment to excellence in this command,” said Leland. “I look forward to us, together, to turn the page on the next chapter with renewed spirit of dedication to duty, to mission and meet our commitments to defense of our Nation and defeat our enemies.”

Bataan is conducting sea trials and preparing for an upcoming training cycle which will lead into a scheduled deployment.