Comstock change of command ceremony

by Ensign Brianna Curley

18 August 2023
SAN DIEGO — The Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Comstock (LSD 45) held a change of command ceremony on the flight deck of the ship at Naval Base San Diego, Aug. 18.

Cmdr. Byron Stocks relieved Cmdr. Tammi Ballinger as commanding officer of Comstock. Ballinger previously served as the executive officer of the ship before assuming command on May 31, 2022. 

“It’s been a privilege to serve as the commanding officer over the last year and a half,” said Ballinger. “I am filled with excitement and anticipation for the next phases of Comstock’s lifecycle and the tasking that lies ahead.”

During Ballinger’s time as executive officer, Comstock executed an extended dry docking selected restricted CNO availably. Ballinger, native of Berea, Kentucky, assumed command of Comstock half way through the availability and led the crew through a successful completion of a maintenance phase and into her basic phase training and certifications. 

“Our ship has undergone extensive preparations, the crew has worked extremely hard, and we are well on the path to bringing Comstock to operational readiness,” said Ballinger. “The amount of work conducted on the ship during the availability by both the maintenance activity and ship’s force resulted in a demanding maintenance phase, and put the ship to the test. Together, we emerged stronger, more united. The finest gator in the fleet is ready to meet the needs of the Navy and provide tactical support to our U.S. Marines.”

During the ceremony, Capt. Tate Robinson, commodore of Amphibious Squadron 1, served as the guest speaker and presented Ballinger with the meritorious service medal for her performance as commanding officer. 

“I promise to give 110%.” said Stocks. “We have a lot more work to do, but I know that we will succeed. I know that we will excel every day, and continue the legacy of Comstock greatness.”

Stocks is a native of Anchorage, Alaska, and a 2006 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. At sea Stocks served aboard the USS Winston Churchill (DDG 81), USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) as the weapons administrative officer, USS Cincinnati (LCS 20) crew 206 as the combat systems officer and a tour as operations officer, and USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) as the C5I officer. He most recently served as the executive officer of Comstock.

Ballinger’s next assignment will be as the chief staff officer for Amphibious Squadron 5 in San Diego. 

USS Comstock is homeported at Naval Base San Diego and assigned to Amphibious Squadron 1 where she is completing basic phase certifications in preparation for future assignments. 

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