USS Fort Worth (LCS 3) Conducts Change of Command

by Courtesy Story

17 October 2022
NAVAL BASE SAN DIEGO, CA, UNITED STATES — Cmdr. Alfonza White relieved Cmdr. Jeremiah Petersen as the commanding officer of Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS Fort Worth (LCS 3) during a change of command ceremony aboard the ship, Oct. 14.

While under Petersen’s command, Fort Worth maximized material readiness through more than 27 maintenance availabilities, keeping the ship ready for mission tasking. The Fort Worth crew completed all basic phase certifications for the Optimized Fleet Response Plan, indicating the unit has all necessary core capabilities and skills for operational mission tasking.

The crew’s most noteworthy achievements under Petersen’s command include the completion of a short-notice Board of Inspection and Survey where they attained a score significantly higher than the fiscal year 2021 Fleet average.

“The command culture the Fort Worth Sailors have maintained while I’ve been here has been remarkable,” said Petersen. “They have persevered through tremendous challenges with grit and tenacity, while taking care of each other with grit and tenacity. I am humbled and privileged to have served alongside this inclusive and dedicated crew, and look forward to seeing the crew thrive under Cmdr. White.”

White, a native of Milwaukee, previously served as the commanding officer of Freedom-variant LCS USS Minneapolis-St. Paul (LCS 21).

“I look forward to working aboard another Freedom-variant ship and completing assigned mission tasking,” said White. “It’s great to be back in San Diego, and I can’t wait to stand beside the Fort Worth Sailors.”

Fort Worth, homeported in San Diego, Calif., is a part of Littoral Combat Ship Squadron One, and the only west coast Freedom-variant LCS. The 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.

For more news from Commander, Littoral Combat Ship Squadron One, visit https://www.surfpac.navy.mil/comlcsron1/ or follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/COMLCSRONONE/.