USS Momsen Holds Change of Command Ceremony in Seattle

By Ensign Vanessa Berry, USS Momsen Public Affairs

SEATTLE (NNS) -- The crew of Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Momsen (DDG 92) welcomed their new commanding officer during a change of command ceremony in Seattle, Aug. 21.

Cmdr. Javier Gonzalez relieved Cmdr. Elaine Collins, completing her 18-month command tour.

Collins led Momsen through a four-month deployment to the 7th Fleet Area of Operations to participate in exercises Talisman Sabre, Silent Banchee, and Cooperation and Readiness Afloat Training (CARAT), various successful inspections and an efficient transition into a dry-dock maintenance availability.

"I am honored to have served as the commanding officer of USS Momsen," said Collins. "It was an experience of a lifetime to command this mighty warship with the finest crew a captain could ask for. I have complete faith that Cmdr. Gonzalez, along with the officers, chiefs, and crew will continue to propel Momsen to new heights."

Collins' next tour will be at the office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Washington, D.C.

Gonzalez previously served as the executive officer on board Momsen and will assume command through the Executive Officer to Commanding Officer Fleet-Up program. Cmdr. Jason Kipp has assumed the duties as Momsen's new executive officer.

"Momsen is a ship that isn't afraid to take on any challenge and excels at overcoming them," said Gonzalez. "I cannot thank Cmdr. Collins enough for her leadership, mentorship, and friendship over the past 18 months. The success Momsen has enjoyed was laid by the efforts of Cmdr. Collins and her team."

"Momsen is a complex machine of war," Gonzalez told his Sailors after assuming command. "You, the Momsen Sailors bring her alive, and the families who support you, are national treasures. I respect and thank you for your service. I am extremely proud to be your commanding officer, and I look forward to our continued success. Rise Above!"

Momsen is currently undergoing a scheduled dry dock maintenance period and is dry docked at Vigor Shipyards in Seattle. Momsen is assigned as part of Destroyer Squadron 21.