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February 7, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Release #011-08

USS Tarawa Changes Command

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kristen Loeding, USS Tarawa Public Affairs

USS TARAWA, At sea – Capt. Brian Luther relieved Capt. Donald R. Shunkwiler as commanding officer of USS Tarawa (LHA 1) during a change of command ceremony Feb. 7 during a port visit in the Middle East.

Shunkwiler served as Tarawa’s commanding officer since taking charge in September 2006.

As Tarawa’s commanding officer, Luther will lead more than 1,300 Sailors. The 1,600 Marines of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) are also embarked aboard Tarawa.

Tarawa is the flagship for Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 3. ESG 3 is currently deployed to the 5th Fleet area of operations, where it is focused on reassuring regional partners of the Coalition’s commitment to help set conditions for security and stability. U.S. forces maintain a naval and air presence in the region that deters destabilizing activities while safeguarding the region’s vital links to the global economy.

The flexibility and capability of U.S. and Coalition forces make them well positioned to respond to any potential emergent situations. Through operations and training with regional partners, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/5th Fleet forces enhance existing cooperative relationships with an aim to support regional countries’ struggles against violent extremists.

080206-N-2832L-026 MIDDLE EAST (February 6, 2008) - Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group Three, Rear Adm. Mark Balmert addresses the crew of amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa (LHA 1) during a change of command ceremony in which Capt. Brian Luther relieved Capt. Donald R. Shunkwiler of command. Tarawa Expeditionary Strike Group is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations (AOO) as part of a regularly scheduled deployment. Operations in the 5th Fleet AOO are focused on reassuring regional partners of the Coalition’s commitment to help set conditions for security and stability. U.S. forces maintain a naval and air presence in the region that deters destabilizing activities while safeguarding the region’s vital links to the global economy. Official U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman (SW) Mike Leporati

080206-N-6597H-052 MIDDLE EAST (February 6, 2008) - The crew of amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa (LHA 1) stand at attention while Capt. Donald R. Shunkwiler is piped aboard for a change of command ceremony in which Capt. Brian Luther relieved Shunkwiler of command. Tarawa Expeditionary Strike Group is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations (AOO) as part of a regularly scheduled deployment. Operations in the 5th Fleet AOO are focused on reassuring regional partners of the Coalition’s commitment to help set conditions for security and stability. U.S. forces maintain a naval and air presence in the region that deters destabilizing activities while safeguarding the region’s vital links to the global economy. Official U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jon Husman

For further questions, please contact Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs Office at 011-973-1785-4027 or navcentpao@me.navy.mil.

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