Photo By Joseph Millar | 211202-N-SB299-1024 SAN DIEGO (Dec. 2, 2021) – Cmdr. Kelly J. Mahaffey, left, and...... read more read more
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Beachmaster Unit (BMU) 1 held a change of command ceremony at the Vietnam Unit Memorial Monument onboard Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, Dec. 2.
Cmdr. William H. Albert relieved Cmdr. Kelly J. Mahaffey as the commanding officer during the ceremony. Capt. Gary Leigh, commander, Naval Beach Group 1, presided over the ceremony.
Mahaffey assumed command of BMU 1 on June 12, 2020. Leading by the mantra “Any Beach, Any Time!” BMU 1 completed 12 joint and international exercises including Pacific Partnership 2020, Iron Fist 2020, Steel Knight 2020, Freedom Banner 2021, San Francisco Fleet Week 2021, UNITAS 2021, and deployments with the USS Makin Island (LHD 8) and the USS Essex (LHD 2) amphibious ready groups (ARGs). Through regular participation with allies and other military branches, Beachmasters increased their readiness for amphibious landings. Mahaffey’s greatest accomplishment was leading the command through the rise of the coronavirus pandemic and the regulations that followed.
“Being commanding officer of BMU 1 has been the highlight of my career,” said Mahaffey. “What truly made it special was working for such an amazing group of Sailors. No one could have predicted the COVID pandemic, and throughout it all, Beachmasters demonstrated outstanding pride, professionalism, adaptability, and resilience while never sacrificing our mission and ability to answer our nation’s call.”
Albert became the 37th commanding officer of BMU 1 after fleeting up from his tour there as the executive officer from May 2020 to November 2021.
“Cmdr. Mahaffey’s leadership has been truly inspiring while tackling the COVID-19 pandemic head-on for her entire tour,” said Albert. “When the Sailors of BMU 1 look back at our time onboard, Cmdr. Mahaffey’s exceptional leadership and spirit will be that lasting memory we will all enjoy.”
Albert enlisted in the Navy in 1989 as a Hull Technician. He commissioned as a Surface Engineering Limited Duty Officer in 2001 and laterally transferred to Surface Warfare Officer in 2004.
Mahaffey’s next assignment is as Joint Chief of Staff J5 in Washington, D.C.
BMU 1 is comprised of seven beach party teams – five active and two reserve – that are trained to support and deploy with ARGs around the world. Their function is to control landing craft, lighterage, and amphibious vehicles in the vicinity of the beach from surf line to high water mark, and coordinate movement over the beach of equipment, troops, and supplies to supply combat power ashore.
| Date Taken: | 12.02.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 12.03.2021 14:53 |
| Story ID: | 410424 |
| Location: | SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 332 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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