Cmdr. Ralph Lufkin relieved Cmdr. Edison Rush III as the commanding officer of Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Manchester’s (LCS 14) Blue crew during a change of command ceremony aboard the ship, Sept. 29.
While Rush was commanding officer, Manchester Blue crew conducted Unmanned Surface Vessel launch and recovery tests directly increasing LCS lethality, and a drydocking maintenance availability facilitating sustained hull operations.
“I have marveled time and again at the crew of Manchester Blue’s resilience and teamwork in overcoming every trial we have faced together,” said Rush. “Our greatest successes have been shared victories between the Blue and Gold crews who, in working together perfectly, represent our slogan of ‘Manchester United.’”
Lufkin, a native of Basking Ridge, N.J., was previously executive officer of Manchester’s Blue crew.
Manchester is homeported in San Diego, Calif., as a part of Mine Warfare Division 12 and Littoral Combat Ship Squadron ONE. Littoral combat ships are fast, agile, mission-focused platforms designed to operate in near-shore environments, winning against 21st-century coastal threats. LCS are capable of supporting forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence.
For more news from Commander, Littoral Combat Ship Squadron One, visit https://www.surfpac.navy.mil/comlcsron1/ or follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/COMLCSRONONE/
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