NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) held a change of command ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk Feb. 28.
Capt. Grady Banister relieved Capt. Thomas Chassee as commanding officer.
"I would like to say one last time what an honor and privilege it has been to be a part of Iwo Jima's ship's company," said Chassee during his farewell address. "I had it easy because I had over one thousand of the best Sailors on the planet."
This assignment will be considered a fleet-up tour for Banister, who reported to Iwo Jima in 2010 as the ship's executive officer.
"This is the most combat ready ship on the waterfront and Capt. Chassee led this group through it all," said Banister. "Iwo never missed a mark, nailed every single certification and set records all the way. No one, certainly not I, could come close to the success in bringing this group to such a fine edge."
Banister, a Sunnyside, Ga. native, graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1987. His sea duty assignments include Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 6; USS Duluth (LPD 6); Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 8 "Dragon Whales"; and Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 26 "Chargers."
Banister's staff and shore duty assignments include: Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 3 "Pack Rats"; Joint Staff J-2, personal aide de camp to the secretary of the Navy and a tour U.S. European Command in Stuttgart, Germany.
Chassee reported to Iwo Jima in 2008 as the executive officer and took command of Iwo Jima in July of 2010. During his tour on board, he led the ship through Continuing Promise 2010, Bold Alligator 2012 and many other operations including Fleet Week(s) New York and Port Everglades, Fla. His next assignment will be president of the Board and Inspection and Survey.
Iwo Jima along with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Readiness Group and 24 Marine Expeditionary Unit are scheduled to deploy in March 2012.
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