Subscribe
NORFOLK – In a time-honored tradition, Capt. Nakia Cooper, the 26th commanding officer of the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1), was relieved by Capt. Christopher Purcell during a change of command ceremony in Wasp’s hangar bay, Sept. 28, while in port at Naval Station Norfolk.
Under Cooper’s command, Wasp completed an 18-month yard period and Basic Phase inspections and assessments for a scheduled future deployment. Wasp was the flag ship for Fleet Week New York 2023, the Navy’s largest community outreach event, and celebrated the 50th anniversary of Bahamian independence in Nassau, Bahamas among other milestones.
Cooper commissioned into the Navy in 1998 through Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Florida, and soon after completed surface warfare officer training in preparation for his first assignment aboard USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) as the gunnery and force protection officer. Cooper will continue his naval career after departing Wasp as Commodore, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 4.
“This morning I specifically want to address who I am indebted to the most, and that’s the crew of USS Wasp,” Cooper said. “My time as your commanding officer has come to an end. When I look at you standing in formation, I see the finest crew on any warship across the waterfront. I stand before you with an overwhelming sense of awe and appreciation, for you truly are my family.”
Cooper expressed the honor he feels he has in handing over Wasp to Purcell after the integral work he performed as executive officer, and Cooper is excited to see the crew of Wasp continue on their path of excellence under Purcell’s command.
Purcell, a St. Louis native, became Wasp’s executive officer in March 2021. Prior to his time aboard Wasp, Purcell was assigned to the “War Eagles” of Patrol Squadron 16 (VP-16), the “NATO Tigers” of VP-8, and later commanded the “Skinny Dragons” of VP-4 during which his command earned three awards. Purcell continued on, working at United States Fleet Forces Command, United States Naval Forces Central Command, United States Fifth Fleet, and Maritime Forces Central. Purcell also served as executive assistant to Director, Assessments Division (N81).
“To be successful we must embrace a culture that is open to new ideas and different ways of thinking,” said Purcell, as he assumed the role as commanding officer. “I truly believe that every Wasp Sailor is a leader. Leadership requires sacrifice and dedication; therefore we will constantly strive to improve as leaders, inspire others to perform at their best, and continue to create a winning culture.”
Retired Rear Adm. Jesse Wilson, Director, Navy Maritime Team Lead in U.S. Government Integrated Solutions (USGIS) of the Requirements & Capabilities (R&C) Organization for Raytheon Intelligence & Space (RI&S), was the guest speaker at the ceremony. Previously, Wilson served as Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic, responsible for the manning, training, and equipping of more than 70 ships of the Atlantic Fleet and Aegis Ashore sites in Romania and Poland. Wilson retired from the U.S. Navy after 33 years of service.
Wilson spoke of Cooper’s achievements and what led to his success as Wasp’s commanding officer.
“You can only get through these challenging tours and have this level of success with a great crew, great family, and friends supporting you and having your back,” Wilson said, “but they only had your back because you first had theirs. There’s no substitute for that.”
Wasp is the namesake of the Wasp-class multipurpose amphibious assault ships and the 10th ship to bear its name. Wasp was launched Aug. 4, 1987, and commissioned July 29, 1989. The ship is currently homeported at Naval Station Norfolk. Wasp recently completed Basic Phase and is preparing for Integrated Phase exercises and assessments in preparation for a future deployment.
| Date Taken: | 09.28.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 10.02.2023 05:51 |
| Story ID: | 454609 |
| Location: | NORFOLK, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 452 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, USS Wasp (LHD 1) Holds Change of Command Ceremony, by PO2 Amber Speer, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
