US 5th Fleet Mine Countermeasures Squadron Changes Command

From U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- Mine Countermeasures Squadron (MCMRON) 5/Commander, Task Force (CTF) 52 held a change of command ceremony at Naval Support Activity Bahrain Jan. 6.

Capt. Glenn Allen relieved Capt. Gerard O'Regan as commander of MCMRON 5/CTF 52.

MCMRON 5/CTF 52 plans and executes mine warfare operations in support of the U.S. 5th Fleet operational objectives. The command's efforts are critical to maintaining sea lines of communication, deterring and countering disruptive countries and strengthening regional partner maritime capabilities to promote a secure maritime environment in the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility (AOR).

"Conducting the mine countermeasure mission is absolutely critical to our ability to operate in the region. Maintaining free movement of goods and services around the world is a strategic imperative," said Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Vice Adm. Mark Fox, who presided over the change of command ceremony. "The expertise, knowledge and leadership Capt. O'Regan brought to the fight was invaluable, and will be missed, but his experience and knowledge will live on in the Sailors he has led, taught and mentored."

O'Regan was commissioned in the Navy in May 1982 and assumed command of MCMRON 5/CTF 52 in August of 2009. He will retire from the Navy in April 2011 after completing 29 years of fithful service.

"I joined the Navy for adventure," said O'Regan. "I stayed because I felt a part of something special, something bigger than myself."

Fox awarded O'Regan the Legion of Merit for his work as the commander of MCMRON 5/CTF 52 at the ceremony.

Allen, a 1988 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, reports from the Naval Expeditionary Combat Command, where he served as the assistant chief of staff for strategy and future technology.

"MCMRON 5/CTF 52 is a critical component of maintaining unfettered access to the Arabian Gulf and ensuring unencumbered use of the maritime domain for military and commercial needs," Allen said. "Our mission contributes directly to the well being of our country and our coalition partners. It is an honor to accept this responsibility."

MCMRON 5/CTF 52 oversees all mine countermeasures assets in the U.S. 5th Fleet AOR, which include mine countermeasures ships USS Scout (MCM 8), USS Gladiator (MCM 11), USS Ardent (MCM 12) and USS Dextrous (MCM 13), and Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 15, Detachment 2.