Lebron takes over as PHIBRON 11 Commodore

Photo By Petty Officer 3rd Class Chad Swysgood | 191211-N-ZQ712-1119 SASEBO, Japan (Dec. 11, 2019) Capt. Richard Lebron, commodore of Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 11, speaks during a change of command ceremony in the hangar bay of amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). Lebron relieved Capt. Jim McGovern as commodore of the only forward-deployed amphibious squadron in the U.S. Navy. America, part of Commander, PHIBRON 11 and Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 7, is operating in the Indo-Pacific region to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response force for any type of contingency. (U.S. Navy photo taken by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chad Swysgood)  

SASEBO, JAPAN

12.11.2019

Courtesy Story

Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 7     

SASEBO, Japan – Capt. Richard Lebron relieved Capt. Jim McGovern as commodore of Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 11 during a change of command ceremony aboard amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), Dec. 11.

“The success of the ship is enabled by my staff,” said McGovern to PHIBRON 11, “I look forward to seeing great things that you are going to be doing in the Indo-Pacific.”

Rear Adm. Fred Kacher, commander of Expeditionary Strike Group 7, presided over the change of command and lauded McGovern and PHIBRON 11 for their accomplishments during McGovern’s tenure.

“Capt. McGovern’s brilliance in the basics, grace under pressure and willingness to make the hard call, has made him the right leader at the right time,” said Kacher. “I am ready to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Capt. Lebron as we deliver lethal combat capability and integrated American sea power in support of our nation and our neighbors in the Indo-Pacific.”

Prior to assuming the role of commodore, Lebron served as commanding officer of amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6).

"I am elated to work with the captains, officers and crews of Amphibious Squadron 11,” said Lebron. “We are a team of mutually supported Sailors and Marines committed to advancing maritime security in the region.”

PHIBRON 11, based in Sasebo, Japan, is one of nine U.S. Navy amphibious squadrons and is currently responsible for amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), amphibious transport docks USS Green Bay (LPD 20) and USS New Orleans (LPD 18), and amphibious dock landing ships USS Germantown (LSD 42) and USS Ashland (LSD 48). PHIBRON 11 is part of Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 7 and operating in the Indo-Pacific region to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response force for any type of contingency.

• Date Taken: 12.11.2019
• Date Posted: 12.12.2019 04:03
• Story ID: 355398
• Location: SASEBO, JP