USS Oakland (LCS 24) Blue Crew Holds Change of Command Ceremony

by Petty Officer 2nd Class Vance Hand

03 December 2021 NAVAL BASE SAN DIEGO, CA, UNITED STATES -- Cmdr. Derek Jaskowiak relieved Cmdr. Francisco Garza as commanding officer of the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Oakland (LCS 24) Blue Crew during a change of command ceremony at Naval Base San Diego, Dec. 3.

A native of Phoenix, Arizona, Garza led Oakland Blue Crew through Oakland’s delivery and sail away from Austal Shipyard in Mobile, Alabama, to her transit through the Panama Canal during sail around, and finally its commissioning to the fleet in Oakland, California.

Garza then commanded Oakland through final contractor trials, combat systems Ship qualification trials, post shakedown availability, and into basic phase training. His next assignment is Engineering Assessments Pacific (EAP) at Afloat Training Group (ATG) in San Diego.

“What an immense honor it has been to serve with such an amazing group of Sailors as we established the bedrock foundation of this crew and ship that will last for many years to come,” said Garza. “It has been a highlight of my career to lead Oakland.”

Jaskowiak, a native of St. Louis, previously served as Oakland Blue Crew’s executive officer before assuming command as Oakland Blue Crew’s commanding officer.

“I am very proud to have been Oakland’s first executive officer and am eager to tackle future challenges as the commanding officer on Oakland’s maiden deployment,” said Jaskowiak.

Oakland is currently working through basic phase qualifications to prepare for future operations.

The Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) is a fast, agile, mission-focused platform designed to operate in near-shore environments, winning against 21st-century coastal threats. The LCS is capable of supporting forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence.

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