Cmdr. Nellie Wang, center, the outgoing commanding officer of the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18) salutes sideboys during a change of command ceremony held at Naval base San Diego, Nov. 15, 2024. Littoral Combat Ships are fast, optimally-manned, mission-tailored surface combatants that operate in near-shore and open-ocean environments, winning against 21st-century coastal threats. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Vance Hand)
Cmdr. Nellie Wang, center, the outgoing commanding officer of the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18) salutes sideboys during a change of command ceremony held at Naval base San Diego, Nov. 15, 2024. Littoral Combat Ships are fast, optimally-manned, mission-tailored surface combatants that operate in near-shore and open-ocean environments, winning against 21st-century coastal threats. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Vance Hand)
The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Mobile (LCS 26) returns to its homeport in San Diego following a 19-month rotational deployment, Oct. 25, 2024. Littoral Combat Ships are fast, optimally-manned, mission-tailored surface combatants that operate in near-shore and open-ocean environments, winning against 21st-century coastal threats. (U.S. Navy video by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Vance Hand)
SAN DIEGO -- Cmdr. Steven Gonzalez was relieved by Cmdr. Linzy Lewis as commanding officer of the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Santa Barbara (LCS 32) during a change of command ceremony held at Naval Base San Diego, Nov. 1, 2024. Capt. Douglas Meagher, Commander, Littoral Combat Ship Squadron 1, was the presiding officer and guest speaker at the ceremony.
During Gonzalez’s time in command, he established a culture of excellence and warfighting proficiency as he led the crew through the ship’s initial basic training and advanced phase training. He orchestrated his crew's preparation and certifications showcasing their navigation, seamanship, and execution ship-handling of several skills complex along with...
