USS Tripoli Holds Change of Command Ceremony

by Petty Officer 2nd Class Maci Sternod

02 November 2023
SAN DIEGO – Amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA7) held a change of command ceremony on the ship’s flight deck, Nov. 2.

Capt. Gary A. Harrington relieved Capt. John C. Kiefaber, who served as Tripoli’s third commanding officer since August 2022. Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 3 (ESG 3), Rear Adm. Randall W. Peck was the presiding officer and guest speaker at the ceremony.

In his remarks, Peck thanks Kiefaber for his service during his tour aboard Tripoli.

“John, thank you for your exceptional leadership, mentorship, and for always striving for excellence, said Peck. “Tripoli is a shining example of the Navy the nation needs because of you and your crew. I wish you all the best as you continue your career.”

Kiefaber thanked the crew for their dedication and hard work during his remarks.

“Tripoli has crushed all expectations since commissioning and it was such an honor serve with such a dedicated crew,” Kiefaber said. “I wish the new commanding officer and his crew success in carrying out their duties to protect our country.”

During his term from August 2022 to November 2023, Kiefaber, a native of Great Falls, Virginia, led the crew during the ship’s maiden deployment, exercise Steel Knight and the beginning of a selective restricted maintenance availability (SRA).

Kiefaber will report as executive officer at Tactical Training Group Pacific for his next tour.

Harrington, a La Vista, NE native, earned his commission from first class petty officer through the Seaman to Admiral Program in 1998 assumed command after serving as Tripoli’s executive officer since March 2022. A native of LaVista, Nebraska, he earned a bachelor’s degree in finance and business management, suma cum laude, and a master’s degree in business administration from Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Florida. Additionally, he graduated from the Naval War College and Maritime Advanced Warfighting School in Newport, Rhode Island, where he earned a Master of Arts Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies.

“I am honored to report as your commanding officer,” Harrington said. “We have a challenging timeline ahead of us, but I have no doubt that this crew will be able to accomplish everything with which we are tasked.”

Harrington is the fourth commanding officer since Tripoli’s commissioning in July 2020.

Capt. Eddie J. Park assumed the duties as executive officer, Oct. 26. Park, was born in Seoul, South Korea, and is a native of New York City. He graduated from U.S. Naval Academy in 2000 and holds a master’s degree in business administration from San Diego State University with focuses in operations and management. He was designated a Naval Aviator upon completion of flight training in June 2002 and has earned various awards to include the Rear Adm. Tomaszeski Commanding Officer Leadership Award and the Navy and Marine Corps Association Peer Leadership Award.

“I’ve heard so many amazing things about Tripoli and her crew and I’m incredibility excited to join such a high-functioning team,” Park said.

Tripoli is an America-class amphibious assault carrier homeported in San Diego.