Amphibious Squadron 8 Holds Change of Command Aboard USS Bataan
19 January 2022
NORFOLK, Va. -- Capt. Jason E. Rimmer turned over command of Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 8 to Capt. Thomas E. Myers during a ceremony aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), November 18th, 2021.
The PHIBRON-8 staff is located at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek and is ISIC for six amphibious warfare ships assigned to PHIBRON-8. They include the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), the amphibious transport dock ships USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) and USS New York (LPD 21), and the dock landing ships USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41), USS Tortuga (LSD 46), and USS Oak Hill (LSD 51).
Additionally the Marines of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), the medical forces of Fleet Surgical Team (FST) Four, and the detachments of Naval Beach Group (NBG) Two will pair with Amphibious Squadron Eight, making up the Bataan Amphibious Readiness Group (BATARG); in support of present and future operational and national tasking.
“I am proud of the exceptional women and men of Amphibious Squadron EIGHT and our six ships.” Said Capt. Rimmer, “I am confident that Commodore Myers and his team will continue to train and prepare those crews and ships to deploy and answer the call when it comes.”
Rimmer’s previous tours have included service as the Commanding and Executive Officer of the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) and the Commanding and Executive Officer of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light FOUR NINE (HSL-49).
Myers most recently completed a tour as Commander, Task Force Four Five, and Commodore, Destroyer Squadron Four Zero in Mayport, FL. Previously he commanded both the USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) and the USS Anzio (CG 68).
“It is a great honor to lead such an amazing organization.” Capt. Myers said, “Capt. Rimmer did an outstanding job providing leadership and vision to this team during one of the toughest operational periods we’ve seen over the past decade. I am confident that we will build upon his work and ensure we are postured to meet the demands of our Navy and our country.”
The BATARG/26th MEU deployed as part of the ongoing rotation of forward-deployed forces to support maritime security operations along with other coalition maritime forces in Europe and the Middle East. The Sailors and Marines prepare to conduct a variety of missions, including forward naval presence, maritime security operations, crisis response, and theater security cooperation.
BATARG and the 26th MEU consist of more than 4,000 total Sailors and Marines, who previously operated in the U.S. 2nd, 6th, and 5th Fleet areas of operations during their most recent deployment.