USS Anchorage Changes Command

By LTJG Eileen Brady

Capt. Daniel Keeler relieved Capt. Pete Riebe as commanding officer of USS Anchorage (LPD 23) during a change of command ceremony, August 1.

Riebe assumed command Anchorage in May 2021, and is transferring to Commander, Naval Air Forces where he will be considered for Aircraft Carrier command.

As Anchorage’s commanding officer, Riebe ensured a seamless transition from the ship’s basic phase of training through the advanced phase while readying the crew for the integrated phase and deployment. During his tenure he ensured the health of the crew throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and rebuilt basic shipboard practices that were put on hold while maintaining social distancing. He drove home the point that every person on board plays a critical role on Anchorage by establishing high standards for cleanliness, personal accountability, and reporting.

Riebe also led the first waterborne launch and recovery of the U.S. Marine Corps’ new Amphibious Combat Vehicles (ACV), subsequently Anchorage became the first ship to certify ACVs for amphibious operations while supporting the Marine Corps' return to wet-well operations.

“Leading the crew of USS Anchorage has been both challenging and fulfilling,” said Riebe. “For an officer that has been focused on naval aviation nearly my whole career, leading an amphibious ship at sea has challenged me professionally as I’ve learned new mission sets and integrated with our Marine Corps brothers and sisters. Watching this team come together and complete complex mission sets and bringing USMC combat power ashore has been awe-inspiring. I’m humbled to have had the opportunity to lead this incredible group of men and women.”

Keeler graduated with merit from the United States Naval Academy in 1998 with a degree in Political Science. He received his master’s degree in Business Administration from the Naval Postgraduate School in 2006 and completed Naval Nuclear Power training in 2019. Most recently he served as the Executive Officer aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71).

“I am honored and thankful for the opportunity to be the Commanding Officer of USS Anchorage,” said Keeler. “This is a great ship with an outstanding crew and stellar reputation. I look forward to working with our Marine Corps partners and doing great things together on the upcoming deployment.”

Anchorage is currently homeported in San Diego and is part of Amphibious Squadron SEVEN, along with USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26) and USS Makin Island (LHD 8).