Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Amber Speer | 220311-N-CJ603-1292 NORFOLK -- Adm. John Menoni, Commander, Expeditionary Strike...... read more read more
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NORFOLK, VA -- Capt. Nakia Cooper assumed the helm of amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) from Capt. Kevin Zayac, Mar. 11, 2022, during a change of command ceremony held in the ship's hangar bay.
The change of command ceremony is an honored tradition held in front of the crew and displays a willing transfer of power between commanding officers. This ceremony makes Cooper the 26th commanding officer of Wasp since the ship’s commissioning in July 1989.
Zayac began his naval career in 1997 when he attended and graduated from Officer Candidate School, Pensacola, Fla., and then quickly became a Naval Aviator. He moves on to his next assignment to Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic, who provides combat ready, sustainable naval air forces focused on readiness, operational excellence, interoperability, safety, and efficient resourcing.
During his farewell speech, Zayac told the crew, "You own the change. You can make a difference. Don’t wait for somebody to make that change for you. It starts with you, and every day is that new opportunity to do just that. You’ve made a positive impact on my life, and it’s only my hope that I’ve made a similar impact on yours. I will forever be grateful to have served on this mighty warship, but most importantly to have served with all of you.”
Zayac continued by asking the crew to show the same level of resiliency and dedication pushing forward and affirmed Cooper's leadership will get Wasp out of the shipyard and back into the fight.
Cooper, a native of Manassas, Va., previously served as Wasp's executive officer, the commanding officer of dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) and the commanding officer of Patrol Coastal Crew Juliet, commanding patrol ships USS Squall (PC 7) and USS Firebolt (PC 10).
While addressing the crew, Cooper stated, “[Zayac], I am inheriting the crew with its gas tank on full. Your leadership has galvanized this crew into a force to be reckoned with. It’s my honor and privilege to take command today and continue the path you have forged for us.”
Wasp is currently undergoing dry-dock selected restricted availability, which ensures the ship and crew are mission ready before returning to Naval Station Norfolk.
| Date Taken: | 03.11.2022 |
| Date Posted: | 03.11.2022 21:44 |
| Story ID: | 416299 |
| Location: | NORFOLK, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 677 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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