By MC3 Angus Beckles USS New York Public Affairs
Capt. Jon C. Kreitz, outgoing commanding officer amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21) gives welcome remarks during change of command ceremony aboard New York. Photo by MC2 Cyrus Roson
Amphibious transport dock USS New York held the ship’s third change of command ceremony on Feb. 14.
Capt. Christopher Brunett, New York’s outgoing executive officer, relieved Capt. Jon Kreitz as commanding officer.
“Thank you for being the best executive officer I could have asked for, you have been a great sidekick, trusted advisor and a good friend. Relinquishing command to you is akin to being the father of the bride and giving someone you love away,” said Kreitz. “I couldn’t think of a better person to be turning command over to. I have all the trust and confidence that you will do everything to take care of my girl and her crew. You are going to love your new job.” Kreitz added.Kreitz who assumed command of the New York 20 months ago was the ship’s third commanding officer. Under his command the ship completed its successful maiden deployment a major Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) planned maintenance availability and the majority of her pre-deployment basic training phase and certifications.
“This warship’s great crew, from an outstanding wardroom to a superb chief’s mess and all the blue shirts has accomplished every single mission and task thrown at them,” said Kreitz. “I couldn’t be more impressed with or proud of them.”
Brunett[,] who is from Buffalo, NY[,] has served as the New York’s executive officer for the past 18 months. He graduated from the naval academy in 1989 and was designated a naval aviator in 1991. His previous assignments range from Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Eight (HC-8) to commander of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25 (HSC-25).
“I can think of no other ship in the fleet that I would want to be a part of its crew more than the New York. As a son of New York growing up in Buffalo and Rochester, this ship means a lot to New Yorkers and to me,” said Brunett. “Capt. Kreitz has gotten us on a great trajectory for continued excellence in everything that we do and my job will be to continue on that path. I am very excited to take command and I cannot wait for the next chapter.” Brunett added.
New York recently shifted homeport to Naval Station Mayport, Fla., as part of a larger move of an amphibious ready group homeport change in support of strategic maritime dispersal.
